I have been getting messages out there in the community that they were concerned that the contract with Matt Starr will expire in September.  Some of the people inside the Deaf Health Community Committee (DHCC) that woks closely with National Center for Deaf Health Research (NCDHR) informed me that this information is true. They have been having some Community Forums at three different locations.

I’ve asked Matt Starr if he would like to continue and he said that he would like that very much.  He understands the difficulties in the government and the cuts in funds in the services.  He also would like to do what is best for the future of the research.

Some members of the DHCC informed me that if the deaf community is actually concerned about losing Matt Starr in the NCDHR due to budget cuts.  They should come to the committee meeting tonight at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 25 Westminster Rd, Rochester NY 14607.  This is the last night to express this concerns.  I’m sure Matt and the DHCC would like everyone to share this concern at the Community Forum.

The event should already have an interpreter and other accomodations. If you can not get to attend the forums due to conflicts.  I would recommend sending an email to Kelly Matthews at Ke************@UR**.edu.

It is important to share your thoughts and concerns at this forum about your community health concerns, knowledges, thoughts of reserch directions, and what the NCDHR has been doing in the past years and the research results.

To download their PDF of the Community Forums, please click on the link below:
http://phplist.cdrnys.org//dl.php?id=39

Dean DeRusso
Deaf Systems Advocate
Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL)