The NYC Deaf Access Fund

CONTRIBUTE

The quickest way to contribute to the NYC Deaf Access Fund is via the official District 602 Venmo/Zelle/PayPal, which are all run by the District 602 Treasurer and DCM - they manage these accounts; the NYC Deaf Access Committee does not handle any funds directly. If you have questions for the District 602 DCM, their information is on the Contact page.

Scan this QR code and write “ASL” (like American Sign Language) in the note:

  • If you’re on a mobile device, you can also click the QR code and the Venmo app should open and take you right to the official District 602 Venmo account.

  • You can also enter username @District602-A49 and write “ASL” in the note. The name on the account says District Six O Two of AA.

  • PLEASE NOTE: Because this is the general District 602 Venmo, you must write “ASL” in the note so that your contribution goes specifically to the NYC Deaf Access Fund!

Don’t have Venmo?

You can also contribute via PayPal or Zelle by using email address d602treasurer@gmail.com. Just make sure to write “ASL” in the note/comment so that your contribution goes specifically to the NYC Deaf Access Fund!

Recurring contributions…

While we gratefully welcome all individual contributions, consider talking to your home group about making a recurring monthly contribution to the Fund to help us continue to provide this life-saving service to Deaf alcoholics. You could also consider setting up a personal monthly contribution via PayPal or Zelle - even something like $5/month adds up when enough people contribute!

For more information on the AA service structure, click here to visit the SENY website.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NYC DEAF ACCESS FUND

>> My home group is not in District 602… can I/we still contribute?

Absolutely! The Fund is a part of District 602’s treasury and was set up as part of District 602’s accessibility focus, so that individuals and groups interested in contributing could have a way to do so that was an official part of the AA service structure. Individuals and groups from anywhere are welcome to contribute and we are grateful for your help in making this life-saving service possible! Contributions are used to provide interpreters at meetings all over NYC, not just in District 602.

>> Did you know…?

The NY Intergroup website lists a little over 1,200 in-person meetings per week in NYC’s 5 boroughs, but currently lists only 6 meetings that provide an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter.

>> Why support the NYC Deaf Access Fund?

Centralizing contributions via The NYC Deaf Access Fund allows money to be used in a timely manner, wherever it’s needed most, to make more in-person meetings accessible to the Deaf community. This fund allows meetings that can’t otherwise afford an ASL interpreter to provide one, while meetings that can provide one on their own can continue to do so, creating a “both/and” approach to accessibility. The Fund also allows Deaf fellows to request an interpreter at a meeting of their choosing, ensuring broader and more equitable access to our fellowship.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE FUND

The NYC Deaf Access Fund is a specialized fund set up thru District 602 in Manhattan, as part of their accessibility focus for 2022, and is an official part of the AA service structure.

Contributions are used to provide ASL (American Sign Language) interpreters at AA meetings in NYC. We pay interpreters $70 for a 1-hour meeting.

For more information on the cost of interpreters and other logistical questions, visit the FAQ page and scroll down to the section Questions about the NYC Deaf Access Committee.

Visit the Groups Docs page to download our monthly treasury reports which include the lists of which meets the Fund pay for interpreters at each month.

Similar funds focused on providing access for the Deaf are used in cities across the country and help ensure that we carry the message to all those seeking recovery.

For more information on the AA service structure, click here to visit the SENY website.