About Us
MDMC is a Deaf advocacy organization committed to ensuring effective access to communication, education, and resources for individuals who are Deaf, Deaf Plus and Hard of Hearing which will lead to overall self-sufficiency and a better quality of life.
MDMC as an organization was officially established in 2013 and focused on providing pro bono access to community services and resources through American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, including interpreting Friday prayers at a local mosque in North Minneapolis, After surveying the community. MDMC found that many of the people .
Our Mission
The Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC) is committed to ensuring effective access to communication, education.
Our Vision
Our History
MDMC’s founders have been working with the DHH (Deaf, DeafPlus, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing) community since 2010 to improve quality of life for and meet the unique needs of each individual they serve.
Meet Our Team
Valerie Shirley
Executive Director
Nusaiba Imady
Board Co-Secretary
Aisha Dualy
Board Chair
Meet Our Team
Our Board Members
Regina Daniels
Board Member at Large
Nimo Jama
Board Outreach Coordinator
Musab Drake
Board DeafPlus Member
Aisha Dualy
Board Chair
Malika Dahir
Board Member at Large
Riss Leitzke
Board DeafBlind Board Member and Board Treasurer
Our Staff
Valerie Shirley
Executive Director
Asma Abdille
Assistant Director
Jessalyn Akerman-Frank
Project Manager
Krista Machtmes
Administrative Assistant
Ismail Ouassaddine
Marketing Manager
Meet Our Team
Valerie Shirley
Executive Director
Nusaiba Imady
Board Co-Secretary
Aisha Dualy
Board Chair
Testimonials
Muslim women’s day at the capitol
Muslim women’s day at the capitol
Muslim women’s day at the capitol
ASMA
Malika
MDMC Services
Nausheena
Nubia
Pam
Zakaria
Malika
MDMC Services
Our Sponsors
MDMC provides Alternative Literacy Support (Alt-LS) in a variety of settings, including educational and work settings, which gives clients explicit access to written English. Alt-LS is a program that provides explicit access to written English for those who are not fluent in the English language. Many DHH individuals struggle with reading comprehension because it’s close to impossible to learn a language that you cannot hear. Unfortunately
Our Sponsors
MDMC provides Alternative Literacy Support (Alt-LS) in a variety of settings, including educational and work settings, which gives clients explicit access to written English. Alt-LS is a program that provides explicit access to written English for those who are not fluent in the English language. Many DHH individuals struggle with reading comprehension because it’s close to impossible to learn a language that you cannot hear. Unfortunately
News And Events
Newsletter
Media Gallery
ADA Law
- Employers installing accessible workstations.
- Businesses offering accessible restrooms.
- Websites using screen-reader-friendly coding.
- City buses equipped with wheelchair lifts.
Resources
The Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC) is a pioneering nonprofit organization founded in 2013 by Valerie Shirley to address the unique needs of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Muslims in Minnesota. MDMC focuses on ensuring effective access to communication, education, and resources for DHH individuals, empowering underserved community members and fostering self-sufficiency.
Alternative Literacy
Support (Alt-LS)
Provides ASL-based instruction to help DHH individuals gain English literacy skills, enabling them to navigate driver's education, college coursework, legal documents, and immigration paperwork.
Deaf Gain Innovations
Program (DGIP)
Offers workforce solutions through on-the-job training to enhance career opportunities and address workplace bias.
ASL Interpreting
Services
Provides free ASL interpreting services at essential events, including Jummah prayers, family reunions, and community celebrations.
Deaf Mentorship and
ASL Classes
Offers mentorship programs for Deaf individuals and ASL classes for hearing people to promote inclusivity and understanding.
Transportation
Assistance
Provides transportation support to ensure DHH individuals can access community events and services.
Donate to MDMC
MDMC has worked to provide interpreters at Friday Prayers, Islamic classes and social events with the intent of greater access, in addition assisting our members with education, driver’s education, job placement, locating and accessing community resources.