🧏 Deaf & Hard of Hearing Resources
Center for Hearing & Deaf Services (CHDS)
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Services
CHDS provides services and support for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and late-deafened individuals throughout Western Pennsylvania.
Services include:
- Advocacy services
- Communication access support
- Interpreting coordination
- Case management
- Independent living support
- Community resources
- Assistive technology resources
Website:
https://www.hdscenter.org/
Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ODHH)
The Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing works to improve accessibility and quality of life for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Pennsylvanians.
Resources include:
- Advocacy
- Community information
- Accessibility resources
- Interpreter-related information
- Statewide Deaf and Hard of Hearing services
Website:
https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/odhh/
Pennsylvania Relay Service
A free telecommunications service providing communication access for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, or have speech disabilities.
Services include:
- Text telephone services
- Captioned telephone services
- Relay communication options
Website:
https://www.parelay.net/
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) — Pennsylvania
OVR helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment.
Services may include:
- Career counseling
- Employment support
- Job accommodations
- Assistive technology
- Vocational training
Website:
https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/ovr/
🌎 National Deaf & Hard of Hearing Resources
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
The NAD is the oldest civil rights organization in the United States dedicated to protecting the rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
Resources include:
- Advocacy
- Legal information
- Accessibility rights
- Education resources
- Healthcare access information
Website:
https://www.nad.org/
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes
Provides resources focused on improving education, employment, and leadership opportunities for Deaf individuals.
Resources include:
- Postsecondary education support
- Employment resources
- Advocacy tools
- Research-based information
Website:
https://nationaldeafcenter.org/
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
A national organization supporting professional interpreting standards.
Resources include:
- Interpreter information
- Professional standards
- Interpreter directory resources
Website:
https://rid.org/
Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD)
Provides technology, advocacy, and support services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
Services include:
- Communication access
- Employment resources
- Technology solutions
- Community support
Website:
https://www.csd.org/
🏥 Healthcare Accessibility Resources
Communication Access
Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing have the right to effective communication access in healthcare settings.
Possible accommodations include:
- Qualified ASL interpreters
- Captioning services
- Written communication when appropriate
- Assistive listening devices
Resource:
National Association of the Deaf — Healthcare Access
https://www.nad.org/resources/health-care-and-mental-health-services/
🧠 Mental Health Resources for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Individuals
DeafLEAD
Provides crisis intervention, advocacy, and support services for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals.
Services include:
- Crisis response
- Advocacy
- Mental health support
- Trauma-informed services
Website:
https://deaflead.org/
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Accessibility
988 provides crisis support options for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
Available options include:
- Text messaging
- Online chat
- Video relay accessibility options
Website:
https://988lifeline.org/
🏠 Deaf Community & Advocacy Resources
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
Provides resources and advocacy for individuals who are Hard of Hearing and late-deafened.
Resources include:
- Hearing accessibility information
- Advocacy
- Support groups
- Technology resources
Website:
https://www.hearingloss.org/
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell)
Provides resources related to:
- Hearing technology
- Education
- Advocacy
- Family support
Website:
https://www.agbell.org/
