We are excited to announce Call for Proposals for the 2025 Michigan Deaf Association Conference taking place in Troy, Michigan on Saturday, November 15, 2025. This event will bring together leading experts, professionals, and advocates to explore the latest insights and solutions for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community in Michigan.
- Sessions at the 2025 MDA Conference should relate to one of two tracks. Track 1 focuses on self-advocacy, including securing employment, requesting support services, and educating others about effective communication. Track 2 covers community resources, tools, and best practices that promote accessibility, inclusion, and effective communication for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community.
- Successful proposals will be targeted to a mixed audience of Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, aspiring interpreters, advocates, Children of Deaf Adults (CODA), and service providers.
- The main goals of the conference sessions are to share the latest research developments, encourage open discussion about issues affecting Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals from different perspectives, share helpful strategies and tools for everyone in the community, and raise awareness about how hearing loss impacts daily life, at work, school, and home.
We are looking for a diverse range of proposals, including presentations, workshops, poster sessions, and peer support groups. This is your chance to contribute to the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community and help shape our future in Michigan.
Submit your proposal by March 21, 2025- We cannot wait to see what you bring to this exciting and impactful event!
Proposal Requirements
The session format can be an interactive presentation, a panel, or a demonstration of services. Each session is limited to 45 minutes. Here’s what we need from your proposal:
- Type of session: Presentation, Panel, Peer Support Group, or Demonstration
- Track Focus Area: A) Self-Advocacy or B) Community Resources, Tools, and Best Practices
- Learning objectives (1-3 sentences)
- Session Title (Up to 10 words)
- Session Description (3-5 sentences, up to 200 words)- describe what attendees will learn from your session.
- Presenter(s) Information: Full name, pronoun, biography (200 words), position title and company name, and headshot
- Permission to record your presentation
- Accessibility Needs: We will provide DeafBlind interpreters and CART for the audience with advance notice. Please indicate if you will be signing in ASL or speaking in English. Also, what accommodations you may need for the presentation as a presenter.
- Equipment: We will provide a projector screen, projector, audio equipment, and electrical outlets. Presenters are responsible for bringing their own laptop and presentation materials.
FAQ Section
How long should my session be?
Each session is limited to 45 minutes.
Is there any compensation or speaker fees?
We are a non-profit organization that relies on registration fees and sponsorship to cover the cost of venue rental, AV equipment, access services, and other conference expenses. At this time, we do not have funding available to pay presenters. However, accepted presenters will receive free admission to the conference.
Can my company sponsor a session?
Yes! We welcome corporate sponsorships for each of the workshop sessions. Your company’s sponsorship will be featured on both print and digital materials. For more information, please contact vicepresident@michideaf.org.
Is there a deadline to submit my session proposal?
Yes, all session proposals must be submitted by March 21, 2025. Late submissions may be considered if the schedule has any openings.
Will sessions be recorded?
Some sessions may be recorded (with presenter’s prior consent), and access will be available after the conference.
Do you provide any accessibility services?
Yes, we will offer sign language interpreters, captioning, and other accessibility services that are requested in advance. Please let us know your needs when you register.
Is there hotel discount and parking available at the venue?
Yes, there is free parking available at the venue. Please check the Venue & Hotel webpage for more information and discounted rooms.