Services for the Deaf & the Hard of Hearing

SERVICES FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING

Those of us who can hear often take for granted everyday actions that are part of living. People with hearing can listen to a telephone conversation, listen to the highlights on the news, and conduct simple communications with a cashier at the store, a teller at a bank or with a nurse or doctor during a medical visit. Communication frequently presents overwhelming problems for the deaf and hard of hearing. The Partnership’s Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program is designed by the deaf and hard of hearing for the deaf and hard of hearing in order to provide services that are critical to the clients’ livelihood.

Description of Services

Interpreter Services: Interpreters provide assistance with situations that may arise in everyday living, such as court appearances, and doctor or dental appointments.

Job Placement Services: A Job Placement Coordinator will work with the client to build job readiness skills, secure job placement and strengthen job retention. The Coordinator also works with both the client and the employer to implement educational and technological job support services. Contact Coordinator, Sharon Bryant, at sbryant@partnershipfca.com for more information about this program.

Sign Language Classes: Sign language classes are taught by staff members who are certified by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.

Public Awareness Services: Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing staff members are available to civic groups and organizations to provide presentations and in-service training to private industries, service agencies, hospitals, police and fire departments to help them communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Advocacy Services: The Partnership for Families, Children and Adults offer advocacy to those who are deaf and hard of hearing, and are having difficulty communicating at work, school, or in the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age am I eligible for your services?
You are eligible at any age; there are no age limitations.

How does your program help meet my needs at school, work, or in legal or medical situations?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal anti discrimination law, disabled individuals are guaranteed an equal opportunity in employment, transportation, telecommunications, public accommodations and state and local governmental services. The Partnership provides training and advocacy to service providers, specific to the needs and/or issues related to deaf and hard of hearing clients.

Is there a cost for interpretation?
There is a cost to the service provider, but no cost to the deaf/hard of hearing client.

How long are the sign language classes?
The full course takes 15 weeks.

Is there a fee for taking the sign language classes?
Yes, the fee is $115.00 for the 15 weeks and covers instruction, a workbook and a video.

How does your program work with other resources for the deaf and hard of hearing in the community?
Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is associated with area educational institutions, local employers, local health care providers, legal services, social service providers, area hospitals and state and local (court) judicial system.

In addition to Chattanooga and Hamilton County, where are your services available?
Our service area covers 22 counties that include portions of Southeast and Middle Tennessee, Northwest Georgia and Northeastern Alabama.

How can your program help people who are dealing with hearing loss associated with aging?
Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing staff members are able to assist with finding appropriate support services, text telephone (TDD/TTY) training, and use of the Tennessee Relay Center, which offers various ranges of services to meet the needs of different hearing loss.

How can an employer access your services?
Call the Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 423-755-2891 for assistance.

How can a deaf or hard of hearing person receive interpreting assistance in case of an emergency?
Interpretation is available in an emergency after hours, weekends and holidays by calling the voice phone number 423-697-3842 that alerts a staff member.

Tips for Effectively Using Interpreters

• Seat the interpreter where your deaf clients can see both the interpreter and you.
• Speak to your deaf client, not to the interpreter.
• Remember, the interpreter will interpret everything you say, including the “asides.”
• Do not assume that the interpreter is an expert about deafness.
• The interpreter will act as a facilitator and will not participate in either the discussion or the decision-making process.
• Any interpreter contracted with Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing adheres to a Code of Ethics that requires impartiality and confidentiality in any interpreting assignment.
• Either you or your deaf client can request an interpreter.

Tips for Effectively Communicating with Deaf People

• Try to sit near and face the deaf person
• At all times, look directly at the deaf person when speaking
• Minimize factors that will interfere with the person’s ability to see your face, such as strong sunlight
• Do not cover your mouth when speaking
• Avoid chewing gum or smoking, which interfere with speech reading
• Speak at a normal pace and normal volume - shouting does not help
• Keep your language simple and precise as possible
• Deaf people rely on visual communication, gestures and pointing at objects
• Write down important information

Effective communication with the deaf and hard of hearing includes interpreters and/or a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD). TDD’s allow deaf people to contact your office through existing telephone lines by typing the conversation on a small machine similar to a keyboard.