Deaf Refugee Advocacy worked with Nashiru Abdulai, Stacy Lawrence, and Avi Pryntz-Nadworny to help Deaf New Americans express their stories through three art mediums: ASL storytelling, photography, and physical movement. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between the Deaf refugee community of Rochester and the broader Deaf community across Western New York. Artists led weekly storytelling, photography, and physical theater classes for all ages, providing a platform for students to express themselves and share their experiences. The program fostered common ground, built confidence, enhanced body awareness, strengthened community bonds, and nurtured a sense of play. The collaboration culminated in a staged performance for the participants’ families and communities.

Deaf Refugee Advocacy recognizes that deaf refugees, asylum-seekers, immigrants, and those from U.S. territories have unique needs that are best served and assisted by the members of the general Deaf community.We provide direct services (education and case management), promote advocacy and full language access for this population, and provide outreach services (collaboration, consultation, and education) to existing community service organizations and agencies.