AGENCY AND PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) was established in 1985 because the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community were not being served by any credible entity. The Center is the only communication, referral and social service agency that serves as a focal point for in excess of 107,000 deaf, late deafened, deaf/blind,speech impaired, and hard of hearing individuals living in Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
The mission of the CCDHH is to assure that all services and programs throughout the community are accessible to persons with hearing loss in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. The Center strives to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing people are able to fully participate in society as self-reliant, independent and productive member of the community. The Center bridges the communication and cultural gap between three communities--deaf, hard of hearing and hearing.
The Center is committed to promoting equal rights and increasing accessibility for all deaf and hard of hearing children
and adults in our communities. The Center will increase efforts in the area of public awareness and education through
our three (3) comprehensive programs: The Bridge Program: Children, Adults & Families Services; Community Advocacy and Resource Education (Care); and Communication Access Program (CAP).
Our services and activities include:
Children and Families Program (CFP)
CCDHH serves as a resource center for children and families with individuals with a variety of hearing losses. CFP offers social and educational opportunities to families with a deaf or hard of hearing member. CFP provides support groups for parents, hard of hearing individuals, late deafened adults, and siblings. Activities for deaf and hard of hearing children and families are planned throughout the year, including our annual Summer Camp program. Case management, peer counseling and advocacy are also available through CFP.
Community Education and Training
Education and training are offered by the Center on different aspects that are related to deafness. Sign language and communication strategies classes are available. Local emergency services, social service agencies, non-profit organizations, medical services and law enforcement agencies receive in-service training on understanding how to better serve deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Workshops and educational seminars that are not accessible in the community are offered to deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Our Family Resource Library is an excellent source of information for parents, service providers, and members of the community.
Client Assistance Program
Client assistance and case management are provided to deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families who may have difficulty managing their way through the system to receive the services needed to live independently. Resources will be utilized to ensure the needs are being met. Training and support are offered to clients to become self-reliant. Video Relay Service (VRS) is available for individuals who are unable to use telecommunication equipment or the Florida Relay Service to communicate with other parties. Public VRS booths are conveniently located at CCDHH’s offices.
Telecommunications Distribution Program
CCDHH is one of the regional distribution centers for the Florida Telecommunication Relay, Inc., (FTRI) which is a non-profit organization that provides, at no charge, telephone access equipment to Florida residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind or speech impaired.
Advocacy Services
CCDHH staff is specially trained to serve as advocates for deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened, deaf-blind and hearing individuals to ensure their rights and the need for appropriate accommodations. Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) consultation and advocacy is offered to anyone who may feel they have been denied accessibility to efficient communication. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (I.D.E.A.) and Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are some of the federal laws that provide rights to individuals with hearing loss and are advocated for by CCDHH.
Interpreter/CART Services
Qualified and certified interpreters are provided for a fee to assist in facilitating communication between deaf persons and hearing persons. This service enables social service agencies, businesses, medical services and government agencies (such as law enforcement and judicial system) to comply with Title II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, requiring equal access for sign language users. CCDHH recommends that requests be made at least 72 hours before the event.
Support Groups
CCDHH offers support groups available to any deaf or hard of hearing individuals and their families, on issues related to their hearing loss or communication needs. Parents of deaf and hard of hearing children can seek support from other parents who have raised deaf and / or hard of hearing children through informal settings. Hard of Hearing individuals can attend informal support groups for hard of hearing persons to share their experiences and seek guidance in coping with their hearing loss.
Social Activities and Volunteer Opportunities
CCDHH offers a variety of social activities for the community every month including silent dinners, picnics, special functions, and our annual town hall meetings. This is an opportunity for individuals to gather together and share their experiences and enjoy activities as a community. Volunteers at the Center choose their own hours to do a variety of tasks from computers, planning social events and fundraisers, to making crafts for our Novelty Shop. CCDHH encompasses several different types of programs which can be found at Program Descriptions
