MEW Foundation

MEW Foundation

Community Listening Session

Report:
Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing Communities

Executive Summary
The MEW Foundation convened a community listening session to better understand the needs, opportunities, and priorities of Deaf, Hard of Hearing (DHH), and hearing community members. Participants represented diverse perspectives, including Deaf adults, Hard of Hearing adults, interpreters, mental health professionals, and hearing allies.

The session revealed four primary themes:
Relationship-building and community trust are foundational to meaningful engagement.
Deaf voices must be centered in all decisions impacting Deaf communities.

Significant accessibility gaps remain in education, public services, healthcare, faith communities, and workplaces.
There is strong demand for Deaf Culture awareness and American Sign Language (ASL) training across multiple sectors.

The findings suggest a substantial opportunity for the MEW Foundation to serve as a connector, educator, advocate, and capacity-builder throughout North Texas and beyond.

Session Overview
Date
Community Listening Session
Participant Demographics
Participant Type Count Percentage
Hearing ASL Interpreters 3 42.9%
Psychologist 1 14.3%
Hard of Hearing Adult 1 14.3%
Deaf Adult 1 14.3%
Hearing Community Member 1 14.3%
Total Participants 7 100%
Age Distribution
Age Range Participants
20–29 3
30–39 1
40–49 1
50–59 1
60–69 1

The participant group represented multiple generations, offering perspectives from young professionals through older adults.

Key Findings
Theme 1: Relationship Building and Community Presence
Participants repeatedly emphasized that successful outreach requires trust-based relationships rather than transactional engagement.

Community Recommendations
Participants identified several
priority audiences:
Parents of Deaf children
Senior living communities
Church communities
Deaf community gathering spaces
Community event organizers
Strategic Insight
The community emphasized that organizations should "meet people where they are" by participating in existing Deaf-centered activities rather than expecting community members to attend organizational events first.
Implications for MEW Foundation
Potential engagement opportunities include:
Parent support networks
Senior accessibility programs
Faith-based inclusion initiatives
Community event sponsorships
Local partnership development

Theme 2: Centering Deaf Voices
A recurring message throughout the session was the importance of authentic representation.
Participant Priorities
Participants requested:
Storytelling opportunities for Deaf children
Leadership opportunities for Deaf teens
Community visibility for Deaf adults
Inclusion of Deaf individuals in decision-making processes
Strategic Insight
Community members emphasized that organizations should seek information directly from Deaf individuals rather than relying solely on hearing professionals or assumptions.

Recommended Practice
"Nothing about us without us" emerged as an underlying principle throughout the discussion.

Theme 3: Misconceptions and Public Awareness
Participants identified persistent misconceptions that continue to create barriers.
Most Common Misconceptions Mentioned
Misconception Frequency Mentioned
Deaf people cannot drive High
Deaf people cannot speak High
Impact
These misconceptions contribute to:
Reduced employment opportunities
Social exclusion
Lower expectations in educational settings
Communication barriers
Opportunity
Public education campaigns could significantly improve understanding and inclusion.

Theme 4: Accessibility and Educational Rights
Participants identified education as one of the most critical areas requiring advocacy.
Priority Accessibility Needs
Participants discussed the need for:
✓ Qualified interpreters in schools
✓ Interpreter access during testing
✓ Interpreter support for extracurricular activities
✓ Parent education regarding educational rights
Strategic Insight
Accessibility was framed not as an accommodation but as a civil right.
Potential Impact Areas
K-12 education
Postsecondary education
Family advocacy
School staff training

Theme 5: ASL and Deaf Culture Training
Participants identified widespread demand for Deaf Culture competency training.
Sectors Identified
Sector Mentioned
Schools ✓
Senior Communities ✓
Churches ✓
Hospitals ✓
Dental Offices ✓
Banks ✓
Restaurants ✓
Courts ✓
Correctional Facilities ✓
Professional Workplaces ✓

Quantitative Analysis
10 sectors were specifically identified as potential audiences for training programs.
Strategic Opportunity
This finding suggests a scalable revenue-generating and mission-aligned program area for the MEW Foundation.
Community Connection Opportunities
Participants highlighted existing community activities that strengthen belonging and visibility.
Events Mentioned
Deaf Coffee gatherings
Deaf Days at the Zoo
Denton-area festivals
Deaf theatre productions
Deaf-centered arts programming

Strategic Value
These events provide opportunities for:
Community outreach
Volunteer recruitment
Partnership cultivation
Program promotion
Trust-building
Community Engagement Recommendations

MEW Days
Participants expressed interest in interactive community events featuring:
Food
Games
Challenges
Prizes
ASL learning opportunities
Deaf Culture education
Potential Outcomes
Increased awareness
Family engagement
Volunteer recruitment
Community visibility
Partnership development
Media and Awareness Strategy
Participants recommended developing digital storytelling platforms.

Suggested Initiative
MEW Foundation YouTube Channel
Potential content categories:
Deaf stories and experiences
Educational content
ASL learning videos
Humor and culture
Community spotlights
Parent resources
Advocacy information
Strategic Benefits
Expanded reach
Community storytelling
Resource development
Brand awareness
Grant and donor visibility
Quantitative Summary
Topics Mentioned During Session
Category Number of References
Community Partnerships 4
Deaf Representation 3
Accessibility Rights 4
Educational Advocacy 4
Community Events 4
Training Opportunities 10
Public Awareness Needs 2
Priority Areas by Frequency
Accessibility & Education
Community Engagement
Organizational Partnerships
Deaf Leadership & Representation
Public Awareness Campaigns

Strategic Recommendations for the Board
Short-Term (0–12 Months)

Priority 1
Launch community outreach efforts with:
Parents of Deaf children
Senior living communities
Churches

Priority 2
Attend existing Deaf community events regularly.

Priority 3
Develop introductory ASL and Deaf Culture workshops.

Priority 4
Create a digital storytelling initiative highlighting Deaf voices.
Mid-Term (1–3 Years)

Priority 1
Establish a Deaf Community Advisory Council.

Priority 2
Develop educational advocacy resources for families.

Priority 3
Create recurring MEW Days community events.

Priority 4
Build strategic partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, and employers.
Long-Term (3–5 Years)

Priority 1
Become a regional leader in Deaf inclusion training.

Priority 2
Develop sustainable statewide outreach and listening tour programs.

Priority 3
Expand media and awareness initiatives to influence public understanding and policy.

Conclusion
This listening session reinforced a clear message: the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and hearing communities seek greater accessibility, authentic representation, meaningful relationships, and increased public understanding.

The strongest opportunities for the MEW Foundation lie in serving as a bridge between communities through education, advocacy, storytelling, leadership development, and strategic partnerships.

By centering Deaf voices and responding directly to community-identified priorities, the Foundation can strengthen its impact while building a more inclusive and accessible future for all.

Sponsors:
Chick-fil-A
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Denton Public Library

Non-Profit Consultant:
Jazzed Resolutions, LLC

Thank you for connecting!

MEW FOUNDATION is excited to share an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our communities.

We would like to personally invite you and your network to support two inspiring upcoming events hosted by MEW Productions Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to:
"Bridging the Gap Between Hearing and Deaf Communities Through Creative Arts Workshops, Educational Performances, and Scholarship."

These events are designed to foster inclusion, empower individuals through the arts, and create opportunities for meaningful connection between Deaf and hearing communities.

Your support can make a difference.
✅ Register to attend�✅ Share the events with your network�✅ Help amplify our mission through social media and word-of-mouth
Together, we can expand awareness, increase participation, and help create a more inclusive future for all.

For event details, registration information, and ways to get involved, please follow MEW Productions Foundation.

I would be honored to have your support and would love for you to help spread the word.
Thank you for being part of the movement.

Dare 2 Dream ✨💫,
L.A.�MEW Productions Foundation

North Texas Performing Arts
University of North Texas
TWU Deaf Ed
MediaArts At Unt
UNT Office of Disability Access
North Central Texas College
Collin Theatre Center
Collin College

🎨 Calling all Creatives & Artists! 📚✨
Join our very own Board Member and UNT Professor, Peter Quint, for a hands-on Creative Workshop: Book Cover Design!

Design your own custom book cover alongside authors & illustrators Peter Quint and Rebekah Covington. 🖌️📖

Let your imagination take the lead — create, connect, and be inspired! ✨

Registration:

https://ntpa.asapconnected.com/ =326611

MEW Foundation
Floor & Decor
Hood Sensory
Guaranty Bank & Trust
University of North Texas
Texas Woman's University
Collin College
Dallas Black Deaf Advocates, Inc.
First Dallas Deaf
Deaf Coffee
Deaf Action Center

MEW Foundation is excited to announce that we’ll be a featured vendor at the in Ennis Texas May 22-24. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating with You!

What to Expect:
-Live Music
-Festival Food & Drinks
-Dancing
-Information about MEW FOUNDATION
-Upcoming Community Events
-Face Painting
-Henna Design
-Live Auction: Texas Rangers tickets

You contribution supports:
-Scholarships 4 Deaf and Hearing Students
-Creative Workshops
-Listening Sessions
-Accessibility Programming
-Community Fun Days

Welcoming:
-Volunteers (Hearing, HOH, Deaf)
-In-Kind Donation: Cooler, Fan, generator, 6 Foot Table

Sponsors:
Jazzed Resolutions, LLC
MEW Productions











Guaranty Bank & Trust
Floor & Decor
Kendra Scott
University of North Texas
Swoon
Shine the Light Media
Unity In The Community of Ennis
Ennis Chamber Of Commerce

Celebrate Mother’s Day with 💛

Your support May 8–9 helps provide scholarships to Hearing, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf high school–college age students, while amplifying unheard voices across every age and hearing ability through:

✨ Inclusive performing arts education

✨ Unconventional youth scholarship support

✨ Immersive community arts workshops

Give a gift that gives back and honors the power of every voice this Mother’s Day. 🌸

Kendra Scott
MEW Foundation
Jazzed Resolutions, LLC
Lyrik Hunter
Floor & Decor
Guaranty Bank & Trust
University of North Texas
Highland Park Village

MEW Productions Foundation Donors, Sponsors, and Supporters!

With heartfelt gratitude, we are proud to share that MISSION ACCOMPLISHED—our very first public event, The MEW Foundation’s Inaugural Fundraising Gala, was a remarkable success!

Thank you for your generous support and for joining us on Opening Night. Your contribution—whether monetary or in-kind—helped mark a truly historic moment for our organization, and we are deeply appreciative of your role in bringing this vision to life.

The evening was especially meaningful as we united both the Hearing and Deaf communities under one roof—engaging, connecting, and sharing in a collective vision of inclusion and creativity. The energy in the room was powerful, inspiring, and a true reflection of what our mission stands for.

We were honored to welcome distinguished guests who joined us in celebration and support, including the Founders & Executive Directors of the Denton Black Film Festival, Mayor Gerard Hudspeth of Denton, and one of our dedicated voting board members who traveled from Houston to witness this milestone firsthand—Nia Ellis & Mr. Ellis. Their presence helped affirm the importance and impact of the work we are building together.

Because of partners like you, our efforts are expanding access to creative arts, advocacy, and inclusive programming for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing communities. This is more than an event—it is a movement—and we are grateful to have you as part of it.

Event Highlights &
Acknowledgements

We would like to extend special recognition to the following individuals:

• Nia Ellis & Mr. Ellis for their dedication in traveling from Houston to attend and celebrate with us, demonstrating strong commitment and support for our mission.

• Lyrik Hunter, for serving as a phenomenal host and helping elevate the energy and flow of the evening.

• Arthur Lee-Hutton, for delivering a powerful and impactful poem entitled “Do You Hear Me” that resonated deeply with attendees.

• L.A., for showcasing a powerful and impactful sign-singing performance of “Dare to Dream” by John Legend.

• William, for his outstanding work on decorations, adding a magical touch of elegance and beautifully transforming the venue.

What’s Next: Upcoming Events

May 2026

• May 8, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Kendra Scott – Highland Village, TX
• Fundraising / community engagement event

• May 22–24, 2026
Polka Festival – Ennis, TX
• Live auction of in-kind donations

June 2026

• June 13, 2026
Author/Illustrator Workshop (Peter Quint)

• June 13, 2026 | 2:00–6:00 PM
Listening Session – Emily Fowler Library - Denton, Tx

September 2026

• September 26, 2026 (TBA)
ASL Workshop & Deaf Awareness Month Programming

December 2026

Creative Writing Workshop (TBA)

We look forward to continuing this journey with you and building even more impactful experiences together.

Thank you once again for your generosity, belief, and continued support.

With appreciation,
MEW Productions Foundation Team

mewproductions.org/foundation

April 25, 2026, from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the American Legion Hall in Denton, Texas. The MEW Productions Foundation is proud to host its 1st Annual Fundraising Gala, bringing together leaders, creatives, and advocates from across Denton and Collin County.

This FREE Event celebrates and supports initiatives that uplift Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities through Creative Arts, Deaf Advocacy, and Inclusive Programming.

What to Expect:
* Hosted by Lyrik Hunter, world-renowned lyricist, public speaker, poet, and actress
* A powerful live poetry performance by Arthur Lee-Hutton
* A unique sign-singing performance by the Foundation’s Founder & Executive Director, L.A.
* A Live Auction featuring exciting In-Kind Donations, including Texas Rangers Baseball Tickets, Kendra Scott Jewelry, and Andretti Indoor Karting
* An engaging and inspiring atmosphere centered on connection and impact

Why Attend:�Your presence helps fund scholarships, creative arts workshops, listening sessions, and community programs that expand access and amplify underrepresented voices. This is more than a gala—it’s a movement toward equity, expression, and opportunity.

Get Involved:
* Register for FREE tickets on EVENTBRITE�
* Become a VENDOR and showcase your brand or products�
* Donate via GIVEBUTTER to directly support impactful programs�
* SPONSOR the event and help drive lasting community change�
* LIVE AUCTION (April 19–25) featuring exclusive items and experiences�

Accessibility Commitment:�We are committed to creating an inclusive experience for all. ASL interpreters will be provided to ensure full accessibility.
We invite you to stand with us in building a future rooted in creativity, accessibility, and empowerment.

Host:
Lyrik Hunter

Special Performance:
Arthur Lee-Hutton

Guest Performance:
Cortney L. Culton

Sponsors:
e.w.productions