Deaf Services

Information and Referral Services

Deaf Services provide information about deafness and hard of hearing issues to the general public.  Referrals may be made to appropriate agencies for additional services or information.

Assistance/Advocacy

Trained case coordinators assist families with personal help or crisis intervention in housing, economic, legal, medical, and mental health issues, and provide goal-setting, access through advocacy assistance, communication, referral, and followup.

Assistive Devices & Equipment

These are the provision of specialized devices and equipment, such as TDDs, two-way paging, wheelchairs, hearing aids, doorbell signalers, and many more, for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

Independent Living Skills Training

  • Money management

  • Time management

  • Use of public transportation

  • Proper use of medications

  • Use of assistive devices

  • Family planning

  • Home safety

 

Interpreter  Services

Interpreter services provide qualified interpreters to facilitate communication in various situations including economic, governmental, legal, medical, and social situations.  The interpreter is an independent contractor whose skill and/or certification matches the needs of the situation and of the communication method preferred by the individual deaf person.  All interpreters work under a code of ethics which governs their professional conduct and ensures confidentiality for both deaf and hearing parties.  For more information on Interpreter Services, click here.

Sign Language Classes

The Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL) offers various levels of classes for beginners to advanced students in American Sign Language, the beautifully expressive language of the American Deaf Culture.