When Emergency Systems Fail the Deaf Community: MeAD’s Lewiston Response
On October 25, 2023, Lewiston, Maine became the site of the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history. Eighteen people were killed. Thousands were traumatized. And the Deaf community — already underserved in emergency situations — faced additional barriers in accessing information, support, and services in the hours and days that followed.
MeAD mobilized immediately.
We want to thank Sorenson Communications for their help during this difficult time.
What We Did
Within 48 hours of the shooting, MeAD helped bring out-of-state interpreters to Maine to serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing community members across the state. This included:
- Interpreting at community vigils and memorials
- Supporting Deaf survivors and families in accessing emergency services
- Facilitating communication at shelters and community centers
- Connecting Deaf community members with mental health resources
- Filling regular interpreting needs within the state
Four members of our community were among those killed. Their loss is felt deeply.
What It Revealed
The Lewiston response exposed what MeAD has long advocated: emergency systems in Maine are not built for Deaf people.
When sirens go off, when alerts flood phones, when press conferences are called — Deaf people are routinely left behind. The shelter-in-place notifications that night reached hearing residents through radio and phone calls. Deaf residents found out through texts from friends or not at all.
This cannot continue.
What We Are Doing About It
The Lewiston tragedy strengthened MeAD’s resolve to push for systemic change:
- We submitted documentation to the Maine Community Foundation’s L-A Broad Recovery Fund detailing MeAD’s response and the gaps our community faces in emergency preparedness
- We continue to advocate for ASL-accessible emergency alerts at the state and federal levels
- We are working with the Maine Criminal Justice Academy on Deaf-awareness training for law enforcement
- We supported NAD’s advocacy that led to the FCC’s adoption of ASL Wireless Emergency Alert templates
How You Can Help
If you are a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Maine resident who was affected by the Lewiston tragedy and still needs support, contact us. We can help connect you with resources.
If you are an emergency manager, police department, or municipality that wants to better serve Deaf residents, we want to hear from you too.
Maine Association of the Deaf (MeAD) is Maine’s only Deaf-led advocacy organization. Learn more at deafmaine.org.