Knoxville Center of the Deaf

01/30/2025

🎉 Members' Meeting - February 15th! 🍕

We’re excited to invite you to our next Members' Meeting on February 15th, from 11 AM - 3 PM at the Knoxville Center of the Deaf (Downstairs).

Come catch up on all the exciting updates and happenings with KCD! This is a great chance to connect, learn more about what’s been going on, and share your thoughts with us.

And of course, we’ll have PIZZA for lunch! 🍕 Don’t miss out – we look forward to seeing you there!

01/30/2025

🎳 Community Fun Gathering at Maple Hall Bowling! 🎳

Join us for a fun-filled evening at Maple Hall Bowling on February 21st from 6:30–8:30 PM! 🎉

We have only 11 spots left for bowling, so make sure to grab your slot soon! But don't worry if you're not into bowling—come out and hang out with us! The more, the merrier. Last year, we had over 110 attendees, and we're aiming to make it even BIGGER and BETTER this year!

So, whether you’re here for the game or just to enjoy the fun atmosphere, we’d love to have you there! 🌟

📅 Date: February 21st
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Maple Hall Bowling

RSVP now at [email protected], and let's make this gathering a blast! 🎉

01/29/2025

Important Update for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing Federal Employees and Contractors: ( Federal employees are employed by federal agencies or departments, such as the FBI, NASA, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Postal Service, among many others.)

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is preparing to take legal action to protect the rights of Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing people working in federal jobs or as contractors. Recently, there have been concerns about how accessible and fair the federal workplace is for these individuals. The NAD is stepping in to make sure their rights are respected.

This session will share the latest updates about these issues and explain the steps being taken to make sure Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees are treated equally and fairly under the law.

Your rights are important, and you can make a difference in this effort!

To learn more about the session, please consider signing up through NAD.

𝐍𝐀𝐃 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞𝐬

The NAD is hosting an information session on Thursday, January 30, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

This session is designed to share recent events, especially those impacting deaf and hard of hearing Federal employees and contractors. The NAD is preparing for legal action to protect the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing federal employees and contractors.

THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN ASL.

The link to register for this information session is : https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4317381006518/WN_LilvcdsATsmt0UgC7lL9pw

01/28/2025

Important Information for Our Community:

We’ve created a simple safety guide to help protect your rights and ensure your safety in case of an emergency or if you have an encounter with law enforcement or ICE. Please take a moment to review and share this information with your loved ones.

Stay safe, and remember, we are here to support you!

1. Create a Safety Plan

Emergency Contacts: Write down important phone numbers and make sure you know them.

Childcare: Tell your child's school or daycare who can pick them up in case of emergency.

Authorization: Give written permission for your emergency contact to make decisions for your child if needed.

ICE Detention: If you're detained by ICE, tell your loved ones to use ICE's online locator to find you. https://locator.ice.gov

2. Defend Your Rights

Stay Calm: If stopped by immigration or police officers, remain calm and don't resist. Keep your hands visible.

Don’t Lie: Never lie about your status or use fake documents.

Traffic Stops: Ask the officer if they're from ICE or the police.

If they are from ICE, follow these steps:
U.S. citizens or lawful immigrants: Show your ID (passport, green card, work permit, etc.).

Undocumented individuals: You can stay silent and don’t have to share your status.

At Home: If ICE comes to your door, don’t open it unless they have a judge-signed warrant. Teach your children the same.

If You See ICE Nearby: Go indoors to stay safe. If you're a U.S. citizen, record what you see or take notes, but don’t interfere

If you need support:
24-Hour Emergency Support:
Call the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) Family Support Hotline at 1-888-831-0021 for assistance.
For additional resources, visit: https://www.tnimmigrant.org

Need ASL Interpreting Services:
Please visit our website, www.KCDTN.org, request an interpreter, or call 865.579.0832

If you need assistance, please contact Lara Garfinkel, [email protected]

Video is in the comment.

01/17/2025

Please be advised that the Knoxville Center of the Deaf will be closed on January 20th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

01/15/2025

Join us next Thursday for ASL Trivia at South Press Coffee Shop! This event is open to everyone—Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, hearing allies, ASL students, or anyone interested.

The fun runs from 6 PM to 8 PM. Please consider supporting this locally-owned business—they have an AMAZING vanilla latte, and their flatbread pizza is absolutely divine!

Bring a friend (or the whole world!). We can’t wait to see you there!

01/14/2025

Friendly Reminder: Interpreter Workshop Tonight!

Navigating Jury Duty with Anna McDuffie
When: Tonight, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM EST
Where: Zoom (Contact Lara Whitfield-Garfinkel for the link)

We still have slots available for you to join! This workshop is in the process of being approved for CEUs, so don’t miss out on this valuable learning opportunity.

Contact Lara Whitfield-Garfinkel at [email protected] for the Zoom link.

About Anna McDuffie:
Anna McDuffie, BS, CI, CT, SC:L, NIC, Core CHI, is a seasoned interpreter with extensive experience in both medical and legal fields. A native of Atlanta, Anna earned her Bachelor of Science in Interpreting for the Deaf from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1996. After graduating, she worked at the Learning Center for Deaf Children and Boston University. Since 1999, Anna has been a freelance interpreter, and she holds multiple certifications from RID.

She is passionate about improving interpreting standards in medical and legal settings, and she has taught workshops on these topics since 2008. Anna and her co-presenter, Heather Brown, also published an article on the Americans with Disabilities Act and healthcare providers in the Journal of the American Association of Physician Assistants in 2011. In her personal life, Anna enjoys time with her family, including her step-daughter and pets, traveling, and playing tennis.

Join us tonight for this exciting and informative workshop!

01/13/2025

This is not a formal workshop—it's an opportunity for you to learn how to check if you've requested and secured an ASL interpreter for any upcoming appointments. During this session, I will guide you through how to navigate our interpreting platform using your account.

If you don't have an account yet, don't worry! I can assist you in setting one up, and it's completely free.

Let's get started! Feel free to ask any questions as we go along.

01/10/2025

Knoxville Center of the Deaf - Cancellations Update

Hello! Please be sure to watch our video for important information on cancellations due to weather conditions. Stay safe, stay warm, and have a wonderful weekend!

The correct phone number to contact is 865-579-0832 then press 1.

01/09/2025

Due to inclement weather, this event has been canceled. Stay warm, and we look forward to seeing you next month!

01/09/2025

Winter Storm Alert: Warm Shelters Available for Those in Need
As snow is expected to fall in the area, several warm shelters will be opening to provide a safe, warm place for those in need. If you or someone you know requires shelter, please reach out to the following locations for assistance. These shelters are available to everyone and provide a safe space to stay during the cold weather.

Warming Center Locations
Anderson County
•Dates: January 8 (6 PM) – January 12 (10 AM)
•Location: Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike
•Note: Doors close at 9 PM every night

Blount County
•Dates: January 6 (7 AM) – January 9 (7 PM)
•Location: First Baptist Church of Maryville, 202 W Lamar Alexander Pkwy
•Note: Warming center is open if the white flag is up

Claiborne County
•Location: Youngs Chapel Church (opens by need)
•Note: Call 865-585-4197 if shelter is needed. The church can provide limited transportation depending on distance, as it is run by a small volunteer group.

Cooke County
•Dates: January 9 (8 PM) – January 12 (8 AM)
•Location: First United Methodist Church of Newport, 212 Washington Ave, Newport

Hamblen County
•Dates: January 15 (7 AM) – January 10 (7 PM)
•Location: Ministerial Association Temporary Shelter (MATS), 733 W Main St, Morristown

Knox County (5 Warming Centers)
•Dates: January 6 – January 13
1. City Center
•Location: 409 N Broadway
•Capacity: Up to 80 (must try KARM first)
•Hours: 6 PM – 7 AM
2. North – Fountain City United Methodist Church
•Location: 212 Hotel Rd
•Capacity: 12
•Hours: 9 PM – 7 AM
3. South – Vestal United Methodist Church
•Location: 115 Ogle Ave
•Capacity: 20
•Hours: 6 PM – 10 AM
4. East – Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church
•Location: 2700 E Magnolia Ave
•Capacity: 25
•Hours: 6 PM – 10 AM
5. West – Cokesbury Church
•Location: 9919 Kingston Pike
•Capacity: 30
•Hours: 7 PM – 8 AM

Stay safe and warm!

01/08/2025

We are looking for 1-2 Deaf, DeafBlind or hard of hearing community members to be in the search committee. Email to Jackson Cain, chair of the sea h committee at [email protected] or me at [email protected]

01/07/2025

Bowling at Maple Hall – Join Us! 🎳

We’re back at it again! Join us for an exciting bowling event at Maple Hall on February 21st from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. There are only 60 spots available, so it’s first come, first serve. Don’t miss out!

If bowling isn’t your thing but you still want to join the fun, we’d love to have you mingle with us. Everyone’s welcome, whether you bowl or just want to hang out.

See you there! 🕺💃

01/01/2025

12/30/2024

The Knoxville Center of the Deaf will be closed on December 31st and January 1st as we ring in the new year of 2025 with refreshment, reintegration, and reframing.

We have many exciting ideas in the works and can't wait to share them with you!

Stay tuned for what's to come.

12/30/2024

🎉 Exciting Interpreting Workshop Announcement! 🎉

Our first interpreting workshop of 2025 is coming up, and you won't want to miss it! It's not just for locals—any interpreter can join! 🎉

Workshop: Navigating Jury Duty
Date: January 14th, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM EST
Presenter: Anna McDuffie
RSVP: Contact Lara Whitfield-Garfinkel at [email protected]

Anna McDuffie, a native of Atlanta and a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Class of 1996, Bachelor of Science in Interpreting for the Deaf), will lead us through the ins and outs of interpreting for jury duty. This is a valuable opportunity to learn and improve your skills in this important area.

Don't miss out! RSVP on 1/13/2025 and join us for this informative workshop!

12/23/2024

Holiday Closure Notice

Please be advised that the Knoxville Center of the Deaf will be closed on the following dates in observance of the holiday season:

December 24
December 25
December 31
January 1
We wish everyone a joyful and safe holiday season! We look forward to serving you in the New Year.

Thank you for your understanding!

12/23/2024

Happy Holidays from the Knoxville Center of the Deaf Staff and Board!

As we celebrate this joyful season, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the strength, support, and unity of our amazing community. May your holidays be filled with love, peace, and happiness. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to another year of growth and connection!

Warm wishes,
The Staff and Board of the Knoxville Center of the Deaf