SERVICES WE PROVIDE

Services Description    

 

Case Management/Telephone Interpreting & Relay Service
A client meets with a case worker with one or more needs such as clarification of information, job loss, financial arrangements, Social Security requirements, application completion, etc.  The worker conducts a needs assessment and then follow-up to document if services were received and the need filled or resolved.
Center staff assists in telephone interpreting or relay calls by placing calls between deaf consumers and hearing consumers to; schedule appointments, make inquiries, talk with physicians, and make business arrangements or other needs where a telephone call is necessary. We have private Video Relay Service booths in our lobby during business hours for clients to make any phone calls independently. Training is provided as needed for Relay use

Information and Referral
Center staff provides information related to hearing loss, including services available, equipment, and educational programs.  The inquirer will then be referred to the appropriate agency if further information is needed.

Communication Services

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 contracts with state certified Sign Language interpreters, Oral interpreters Note-takers and CART transcriptionists to provide communication access in medical, legal, economic, government, educational, or other situations requiring the use of interpreter. The Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center also coordinates communication access for conferences, television appearances, and community meetings.

Communication services are not paid for by the deaf or hard of hearing client but through contracts including Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Corpus Christi Army Depot, MHMR, Corpus Christi ISD, Del Mar College, Texas A&M University, Municipal, County and District Courts, hospitals, private businesses, etc.

Substance Abuse Groups ( If you need an interpreter, please let us know)
Communication services are provided for any deaf or hard of hearing individual that may have a substance abuse problem and desires to attend a support group.

Parent and Family Support
Opportunities are provided for parents and families of people who are deaf or hard of hearing to support and learn from one another.  The Center facilitates support group meetings, parent networks, and information sharing through workshops, mail-outs, and  special events.

Help Us Hear (HUH)
This is a support group of people who are hard of hearing and their families.  In addition to problem sharing the group learns about new technology and issues relating to hearing loss.
 
Education
The Center offers classes for the study of American Sign Language each semester.  During the summer a Sign Language Camp for Kids is offered. 

Literacy Classes are offered year round for deaf or hard of hearing adults wishing to improve their English reading and writing skills.  The classes also include study of the world around us and employment related skills.

The Center has a Library that houses 120 video tapes and numerous books.  These materials can be checked out for study, practice or enjoyment by citizens of the Coastal Bend and include basic skills training, lip reading practice, sign language practice, AIDS education , and much more. All tapes are captioned, signed or both.

Job Training and Placement
In our Employment Program clients who are deaf or hard of hearing are referred to the Center from the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services for training and placement in an employment situation.  The training might include job readiness, job quest, driver's license, daily living skills, literacy skills and more.  The job placement specialist works with the client and employers to find appropriate employment.  The clients are tracked for three months to ensure smooth transition into the work force.

Recreation Services
The recreation Program is for all ages and throughout the year offers tournaments in volleyball, ping-pong, horseshoes, table games and other sports. Local teams compete annually in North of The Border Games for The Deaf .

 Corpus Christi Silver Silent Seniors is a senior citizen program, designed to allow seniors a barrier free social organization with added activities such as lunch, blood pressure check, captioned movies, exercise, Bingo and field trips.  This group meets  weekly and is primarily funded by the DARS -Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Summer Voyage is summer day camp provided for students who have hearing loss.  The students participate in crafts, games and sports at the center, then go out into the community for skating, swimming, bowling, movies and educational trips throughout our community with full access to the information and discussion.

Assistive Listening Devices

Telephones, loops, alarm clocks, pocket talkers can be difficult to find DHHC has demonstration equipment for clients to try and provides devices through loan programs, state supported STAP and direct sale.