Community Center for the
Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Support Services & Advocacy

Our goal is to break down barriers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals attempting to access services in their communities. All services are provided by staff who are fluent in ASL and are members of the Deaf community.

Support Services and Advocacy are available to any Deaf or Hard of Hearing child, adult, and/or family needing case management services, general support and/or information. CCDHH provides a variety of services such as access to housing, government benefits, obtaining or retaining food stamps, social security, employment, parenting skills, budgeting, reading and understanding documents. All services are provided by caring and compassionate staff who are not only fluent in American Sign Language but are members of the Deaf community. The mission of Support Services  and Advocacy is to break down barriers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals attempting to access services in their communities.
 

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Support Specialist Now in 6 Counties

Aileen Reusche, MSW, will visit a local library once a month in 5 counties – as well as continue to provide support in Cuyahoga County at the CCDHH - to help Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She will answer questions about Social Security, housing, food, medical care, and more. Aileen communicates in ASL.

Click here to download the flyer and schedule for each county.

Support Services & Advocacy include the following:

  • Information and referral to community programs
  • Vocational and financial counseling
  • Coordination with legal, educational, and mental health supports
  • Explanation of various government services
  • Assistance in securing housing, furniture, and other basic needs 
  • Supporting effective communication within families
  • Advocacy in courts, schools, hospitals, places of employment, police departments, etc.
  • Support and advocacy to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence

Education & Training

CCDHH staff provide education and training to local businesses, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, schools, etc. on a variety of topics including:

  • Deafness & Hearing Loss
  • Deaf Culture
  • American Sign Language (ASL)
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Mental Health & Deafness
  • Employing Deaf Individuals
  • Domestic & Sexual Violence
  • Tips for Effective Communication

Have a Question?

The following services are NOT provided by the CCDHH department:

  • Mental health counseling or other related services
  • Drug and alcohol treatment services
  • Drug and alcohol prevention services outside the contract with Cuyahoga County
  • Any services for persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing that require special agency licensing

For additional information about domestic and sexual violence in the deaf community, please visit the following websites:
www.adwas.org
www.deafignite.org
www.deaf-hope.org
www.deafdawn.org

National Hotline
Available 24 hours/ 7 days
1(855) 812-1001 (VP)
NationalDeafHotline@adwas.org (Email)
DeafHotline (AIM)

For more information regarding advocacy and support services at the Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing contact us at:

216-325-7581 (voice)
440-387-4833 (VP)
rleffel@chsc.org

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