Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is undergoing a major renovation of their web site. Look for it to reopen at http://www.dhhs.org
DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING SERVICES
63, Cornell Rd NW
Calgary
AB T2L 0L4
282-1201 (voice)
282-9494 (tty)
282-7006 (fax)
IKERSHAW (disc e-mail)
Ian.dhhs@debug.cuc.ab.ca
Executive Director
Ian Kershaw
For hundreds of Deaf Calgarians, these experiences are a daily reality. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services provides a range of services to assist deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Having access to information, services and support is vitally important for individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) is a Calgary based organization that provides a variety of educational and support services within the Calgary community. As a registered not-for-profit organization DHHS relies on funding from the United Way, Alberta Family and Social Services, City of Calgary FCSS as well as grants and donations from individuals, private groups and corporations.
DHHS has a staff of 7 full and part time employees who plan, coordinate and deliver a wide range of programs and services. Additionally there is a community of over 30 interpreters who provide interpreting on a contract basis plus other specialists such as speech reading instructors, sign language instructors and the like who provide specific services for the community.
A volunteer board of 13 community representatives oversees the activities of the Association. At any given time, approximately 125 volunteers are also active in supporting the organization. Volunteer activities represent a contribution in excess of 4,000 hours annually.
There are about 400 deaf (sign language users) adults in Calgary as well as 500+ hearing impaired children in the school system. A further 10% of the population have hearing loss that effects their daily life. Hearing loss can impact individuals in many ways including; access to employment, education, community and medical services. DHHS is the only organization that offers services and resources to assist these individuals in functioning more effectively as active, contributing members of the community.
Working with an annual budget of $500,000, DHHS currently provides the following programs and services to deaf and hard of hearing individuals:
Provide Deaf Calgarians with interpreters to enable them to communicate effectively in a variety of situations. Interpreting services are used by more than 500 businesses and organizations each year to facilitate effective communication with deaf employees and customers.
An Alberta wide program that teaches "hard of hearing individuals" to teach others how to cope with hearing loss. There are 24 graduates of this program teaching over 100 hard of hearing students each year. The program has been fully funded by the Federal Government.
Through workshops and seminars, training is provided on how to work with or accommodate hearing impaired individuals in the workplace.
A team of volunteers meets with elementary school students, youth organizations and other professional groups to provide information and education about hearing as well as hearing loss and prevention. More than 20 such presentations are planned for 1994.
Through the efforts of volunteers and staff combined with the resources of the DHHS Centre a variety of information, counseling and support services are provided to hearing impaired individuals, businesses, organizations, government and the Calgary community. These activities are directed at facilitating a mutual understanding and resolution of the challenges and opportunities faced by the hearing impaired, business, organizations and government groups.
A range of classes tailored to the needs of participants. These courses are more focused than the generic, and valuable, courses offered by Mount Royal College and CBE Continuing Education.
In addition to providing information on the wide range of special products available Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services now (Dec 1994) sells these items. This is a natural extension of the present service and one that centre users have asked be provided.
This is a new program that is designed to assist Deaf people self advocate for communication access. This is a pilot project that runs until May 1995. The aim is to work with the Deaf community and provide training and support in order that they may, themselves, self advocate for services. This empowering initiative is unique in Canada and is already, after only three weeks, making a difference.
A newsletter entitled the 'Calgary Cord' is produced in house 6 times a year. Named after the 'cord' that used to connect the old body worn hearing aids with the ear piece. It provides a means of communicating ideas, information and needs to interested individuals and organizations in Calgary. Full of news and information it is mailed to all members. Copies are available free of charge to callers at the office. Plans are in hand to make it available electronically through Calgary FREENET in due course.
DHHS established Canada's first long term training initiative on Disability Awareness at the Calgary International Airport in early 1994. A partnership between DHHS, Transport Canada and the Calgary Airport the project has a duration of three years. Every Tuesday workshops are held on disability awareness, coordinated by disabled consumers with consumers giving professional presentations. Over 100 staff at the airport have completed training, with an average attendance of 15 at each two hour session. DHHS is particularly proud to have pioneered this initiative.