Center for Hearing and Deaf Services

Interpreting Services - language interpreters both asl and spoken language help give persons who are Deaf and english learners who have limited english proficiency (lep) equal access to communication, thus avoiding linguistic isolation. Hds provides interpreting Services to meet this need. Our interpreters provide over 32,000 hours of service yearly to hospitals, schools, colleges and universities, non-profits, and businesses. We provide many of these Services at reduced cost, and often for no cost. We provide interpreting in asl, signed english, oral transliteration, pidgin and spoken language (lep) to meet the varying needs of our consumers. Our interpreters convey the purpose, thought, and spirit of the message in the person's preferred language to bridge the communication barrier. Our interpreters follow the code of professional conduct as set forth by the national association of the Deaf and the registry of interpreters for the Deaf and maintain strict confidentiality to ensure the highest standards of professionalism and trust.

Hearing rehabilitation Services - Hearing tests, Hearing aid evaluations, sales, and service. Funds are available to assist individuals with limited income to purchase or repair Hearing aids. Donations of used Hearing aids are accepted.

Hds westmoreland - branch office established to serve children and adults who are Deaf or hard of Hearing. Services include interpreting, counseling, behavorial health Services, information and referral, and sign language instruction. Hdsw also provides life skills Services for its service area. Many Deaf and hard of Hearing people living outside a city are isolated and have little access to Services. Hdsw was opened to meet the needs of these individuals. Offering most of the Services available at our main pittsburgh office, hdsw serves a multi-county, mostly rural area.

Life skills development - instruction and experiences to improve the daily living skills and independence of adults who are Deaf and have intellectual disabilities. Areas of instruction include communication skills development, mobility training, personal safety training, academics, computer training, Deaf culture, physical education, personal hygiene, grooming, utilization of community resources, social skills development, pre-vocational training, and sexual awareness. Social interaction is crucial in acquiring these and other adult daily living skills, as well as developing language skills. The program is individualized for each client with objectives based on each person's needs. Clients are seen individually and in groups. All staff are fluent in american sign language, have knowledge of Deaf culture, and are trained in the techniques used to teach and/or counsel this population. Our goal is to give our clients the tools they need to live as fully and independently as possible, while increasing their opportunities to interact with others.

Assistive device Center & outreach Services - offers the most extensive display of assistive products currently available for individuals who are Deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of Hearing. Individuals can come to hds, and a trained professional, skilled in sign language, will help them select a device that meets their needs and budget.

Deaf youth program - provides opportunities for area Deaf, deaf-blind, and hard of Hearing youth to interact socially with their peers and with members of the Deaf community. Through the program, youth can participate in a variety of recreational and cultural activities. The dyp attempts to break down communication barriers by offering american sign language classes to families and friends of Deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of Hearing youth.

Hds erie - branch office established to serve children and adults who are Deaf or hard of Hearing. Services include interpreting, community awareness and advocacy, and information and referral sources. Hdse also provides life skills Services for its service area.