Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC)
MDMC is a Deaf advocacy organization committed to ensuring effective access to communication, education, and resources for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Plus and Hard of Hearing which will lead to overall self-sufficiency and a better quality of life.
Know More
Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC)
MDMC is a Deaf advocacy organization committed to ensuring effective access to communication, education, and resources for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Plus and Hard of Hearing which will lead to overall self-sufficiency and a better quality of life.
Know More
Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC)
MDMC is a Deaf advocacy organization committed to ensuring effective access to communication, education, and resources for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Plus and Hard of Hearing which will lead to overall self-sufficiency and a better quality of life.
Know More
Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC)
MDMC is a Deaf advocacy organization committed to ensuring effective access to communication, education, and resources for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Plus and Hard of Hearing which will lead to overall self-sufficiency and a better quality of life.
Know More
Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC)
MDMC is a Deaf advocacy organization committed to ensuring effective access to communication, education, and resources for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Plus and Hard of Hearing which will lead to overall self-sufficiency and a better quality of life.
Know More
Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC)
MDMC is a Deaf advocacy organization committed to ensuring effective access to communication, education, and resources for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Plus and Hard of Hearing which will lead to overall self-sufficiency and a better quality of life.
Know More

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 .

A diverse group of nine people, including one in a wheelchair, pose together indoors in front of a decorative wall, some wearing matching shirts.
A diverse group of nine people, including one in a wheelchair, pose together indoors in front of a decorative wall, some wearing matching shirts.

Our Mission

A women in Red scarf and shirt in a side of a screen with bold title text " communication and Language assistance ( made Easy) Explaining to audience.
A women in Red scarf and shirt in a side of a screen with bold title text " communication and Language assistance ( made Easy) Explaining to audience.

The Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC) is committed to ensuring effective access to communication, education.

Our Vision

A large, diverse group of people pose and smile outdoors in a park, some standing and some sitting on the grass, with trees and sunlight in the background.
A large, diverse group of people pose and smile outdoors in a park, some standing and some sitting on the grass, with trees and sunlight in the background.
A society of empowered Deaf, Deaf Plus, (DeafBlind) and Hard of Hearing individuals who have equitable and effective access to community and natural resources.

Our History

Several individuals stand together, smiling for a photo with a stage backdrop featuring colorful lights.
Several individuals stand together, smiling for a photo with a stage backdrop featuring colorful lights.

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.

Our Services

Alternative Literacy
Support

alternative literacy supports

Deaf Gain Innovations
Program (DGIP)

DGIP

Social and Disability
Justice Workshops

social & Disability Jusctice

Deaf
Socials

Deaf Socials

Meet Our Team

Valerie Shirley

Executive Director

Nusaiba Imady

Board Co-Secretary

Aisha Dualy

Board Chair

Meet Our Team

Our Board Members

Regina Daniels

Regina Daniels

Board Member at Large

Nimo Jama

Nimo Jama

Board Outreach Coordinator

Musab Drake

Musab Drake

Board DeafPlus Member

Aisha Dualy

Aisha Dualy

Board Chair

Malika Dahir

Malika Dahir

Board Member at Large

Riss Leitzke

Riss Leitzke

Board DeafBlind Board Member and Board Treasurer

Jacques Freeman

Jacques Freeman

Board Vice Chair

Nubia Amina

Nubia Amina

Board ASL Interpreter

Nusaiba Imady

Nusaiba Imady

Board Secretary

Our Staff

Valerie Shirley

Valerie Shirley

Executive Director

Asma Abdille

Asma Abdille

Assistant Director

Jessalyn Akerman-Frank

Jessalyn Akerman-Frank

Project Manager

Krista Machtmes

Krista Machtmes

Administrative Assistant

Ismail Ouassaddine

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

facebook
twitter
linkedin
instagram
youtube

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

facebook
twitter
linkedin
instagram
youtube

News And Events

Flyer for ASL classes featuring details on online registration, MDMC logo, and a circular image of hands signing with four people.
Flyer for ASL classes featuring details on online registration, MDMC logo, and a circular image of hands signing with four people.
Newsletter

Media Gallery

ADA Law

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a U.S. federal law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. It ensures people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
Judge's gavel resting on a black desk, symbolizing authority and the judicial process.
Judge's gavel resting on a black desk, symbolizing authority and the judicial process.

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)

literacy

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

ASL Interpreting Services

Provides free ASL interpreting services at essential events, including Jummah prayers, family reunions, and community celebrations.

Deaf Mentorship and
ASL Classes

Deaf Mentorship and ASL Classes

Offers mentorship programs for Deaf individuals and ASL classes for hearing people to promote inclusivity and understanding.

Transportation
Assistance

transportation

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.