What is Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center Service?

Our Goal:

To alleviate communication barriers and to strive for equal access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

  • 1 out of 9 people in America have a hearing loss.
  • More than 1 million children in the United States are hard of hearing.
  • 90% of profoundly deaf people have parents who have normal hearing.
  • 15 out of 1000 people under the age of 18 have some type of hearing impairment.
  • People with hearing loss wait an average of seven years before seeking help.
  • 415 out of every 1000 people over the age of 75 have some type of hearing impairment.
  • 75% of people who could benefit from hearing aids are not using them.
  • 20% of hard of hearing students quit college before graduating.
  • 60% of people with hearing loss are between the ages of 21 and 65 (working age).
  • 17% of Americans have a hearing loss.

Our Story

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center is a full service, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization providing client services, employment training, job search, sign language classes, advocacy, hard of hearing programs, senior activities, recreation, life skills training, and more. We serve 23 counties of the Coastal Bend We began in 1978 as The Corpus Christi Area Council for the Deaf, Inc. (CCACD), established to provide services for people with hearing loss.

In 2003, CACD adopted the “dba” name, “El Centro para Sordos y Personas con Problemas de Audición“, extending services to the hard of hearing community. Since its inception the center has added programs to become a unique and exceptional organization in the arena of services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Services We Provide:

  • Information and Referral: Nuestro personal de la agencia ofrece información relacionada con la pérdida auditiva, incluyendo: servicios comunitarios, equipos, programas recreativos, capacitación y programas educativos disponibles.
  • Adult Literacy: Classes are offered for deaf or hard of hearing adults who wish to improve their English reading and writing skills. The class also studies life skills and current events – all through accessible communication. Our Library has books and over 120 videotapes which can be checked out for study, practice, education, or enjoyment.
  • Family Support: Opportunities are provided for parents and families of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to support and learn from one another. We facilitate support group meetings, parent network, and information sharing through workshops and special events.
  • Job Training and Placement: Clients who are deaf or hard of hearing are eligible for employment services. Training may include job readiness, job quest, or independent living skills. Staff works with clients and employers to find suitable employment for the client with follow-up to ensure a smooth transition into the work force.
  • Client Assistance Services: Clients can meet with a case worker for assistance with personal business. The staff conducts a needs assessment and provides services and referral to resolve identified needs. Clients are served by appointment or as walk-in during office hours.
  • Recreation Program: The Corpus Christi Silver Silent Seniors program provides seniors who have a hearing loss with a communication accessible social organization with activities for mental and physical stimulation and wellness checks, including informational speakers, games and outings. We sponsor North of the Border Games for The Deaf, an annual Olympics style game day, in which all participants are deaf and hard of hearing. Summer Voyage Youth Program for youth with hearing loss ages 5 through 18 provides programs that build literacy and leadership through recreation and experiential learning. Youth participate in crafts, games, sports, field trips and projects in a barrier free environment.
  • Communication Services: Communication Services are the linguistic link, auditory link and the cultural bridge between people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing. A variety of services enables consumers who are deaf, hard of hearing or hearing full access to communications in the most effective mode for the individual. The Center hires qualified Sign Language interpreters, Oral interpreters, Note-takers and CART transcriptionists to provide communication access in medical, legal, economic, government, educational, or other situations. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center also coordinates communication access for conferences, television appearances, and community meetings.
  • Deafness Resource Specialist: Our Deafness Resource Specialist ensures that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing receive equal access to opportunities and services. She works with Federal and State mandates on equal access to services including education and employment. Works as liaisons between consumers and service providers on the provision of appropriate services. She assists consumers in getting the services they need from state and local governments, employers, and other private entities while advocating within the community. The DRS addresses attitudinal and cultural barriers affecting the populations which may hinder successful service delivery; provides information and referral services; and may provide training geared toward the consumers acquiring a better understanding of the laws which support and protect them.
  • Hearing Loss Resource Specialist: Our Hearing Loss Resource Specialist provides resources such as education and demonstration of assistive technology, workplace assistance for employers and Employees, presentations on hearing loss in the workplace setting, living with hearing loss, hearing aids, resources, and many other topics. HRS also helps consumers get connected with Vocational Rehabilitation Services, communication strategies and coping skills, sensitivity training for employees and employers, college tuition waivers and information related to hearing loss.
  • Assistive Listening Equipment: Try new equipment in our demonstration lab to choose what works for you. We offer free telephones through the Texas STAP program and also loan and sell devices to assist with communication.

Stop by or call to see how we can customize services for you

Valores Fundamentales del Centro para Sordos y Personas con Problemas de Audición:

Sinceridad
Confidencialidad
Integridad
Comunicación
Comunidad

These values are to be followed by all board members, employees and volunteers of the Center.

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