On July 16, Care Advantage and Commonwealth Senior Living at Chesterfield launched an American Sign Language (ASL) education initiative with a simple and meaningful first lesson: teaching staff to sign “Happy Birthday” so they could celebrate a deaf resident named Brenda in her own language, for the first time.
Local media was there to witness it. Channel 8 WRIC and Richmond Magazine were both in attendance, capturing a room full of Caregivers, chefs, housekeeping staff, and management learning together, sharing laughter and smiles as they picked up something new. The segment aired on July 16, watch it here.
The Mission Behind the Program
The initiative is led by Dan Buyas, Home Care Specialist at Care Advantage. Dan is a CODA, meaning he grew up as a Child of Deaf Adults, and has spent his life immersed in Deaf culture and ASL. That background is not just personal context, it is the foundation of what makes this program so special.
“When we take the time to learn how someone communicates, we are telling them they matter,” Dan said. “Something as simple as greeting a resident in their primary language creates immediate trust, comfort, and a true sense of belonging.”
Why This Matters
For many older adults living with hearing loss or deafness, communication barriers in care settings can quietly erode independence and connection. When staff cannot communicate with a resident, that resident can feel invisible, even in a room full of people.
This program exists to change that through staff learning one interaction at a time how to truly reach the people in their care.
“How do we deliver person-centered care? By learning their language,” said Marc H. Raben, Executive Director of Commonwealth Senior Living at Chesterfield.
That philosophy drives everything about this program. Every person who walked into that room on July 16 brought value to a deaf resident simply by being willing to learn.
What the Program Looks Like
The July 16 session was the first in an ongoing series. As the program continues, Dan will teach staff everyday phrases that carry real meaning in a care setting. Phrases like “good morning,” “how are you feeling?” and “do you need anything?” will be a part of the curriculum. Simple words that when signed can completely change the experience of a resident who has spent years feeling unable to communicate with the people caring for them.
The training goes beyond basic vocabulary, teaching staff how to facilitate meaningful daily interactions that support emotional well-being and independence throughout the community.
A Shared Commitment
Partnerships like this reflect what we have always believed: that exceptional care is not just about physical support. It is about showing up for people in a way that makes them feel seen, respected, and fully included.
We are proud to work alongside Commonwealth Senior Living at Chesterfield in building something that does exactly that.
To learn more about Care Advantage and our services, visit CareAdvHomeCare.com.
Happy Birthday Brenda!
Brenda turned 86 years old on July 17. For the first time in her 86 years, the people around her sang “Happy Birthday” to her in sign language. The room had been decorated in her honor, and staff surprised her with gifts and a beautiful birthday cake. She did not just watch from the outside of a celebration meant for her. She was fully, genuinely part of it, and most importantly she was able to understand what the people around her were communicating. Happy Birthday Brenda! We hope you had a wonderful day.
