Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services

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TRCIL Services provides services to people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.  Services are provided by a qualified Deafness Specialist who uses American Sign Language (ASL).  We provide information about hearing loss and trainings to individuals and businesses. Our Deafness Specialist can also help people to obtain free telecommunications equipment through the state Telecommunications Device Distribution Program (TDDP).  Services for people who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing include:

Service Coordination:
Assisting individuals to obtain various supportive services for living independently in the community

Information and Referral:
On equipment, vendors and other community resources

Advocacy:
Individual and systems advocacy centered on civil rights and the ADA

Housing Counseling and Referral:
Assisting individuals in finding accessible housing in the community and interpreting between consumers and the TRCIL Housing Counselor

Skills Training:
In areas of life skills, money management, self-advocacy, job readiness and assertiveness

Educational Presentations:
Educating consumers and outside agencies on issues concerning Deafness and hearing loss

For questions regarding these programs, call 412-371-7700, TTY 412-371-6230 or email Christina Chamberlain at cchamberlain@trcil.org.

When is an interpreter needed?

An interpreter must be used when a Deaf person needs the service to communicate effectively in order to have equal access to communication.  Whether or not an interpreter is needed depends on:

• The Deaf person’s communication skills
• The context of the communication
• The number of people involved
• The importance of the communication
• Whether the information is complex or lengthy

For example, the Justice Department explains that an interpreter may be necessary in situations involving communications regarding health, legal matters, and finances.

Can family members or friends act as interpreters?

Generally, no.  Family members often do not have sufficient Sign Language skills to interpret accurately.  Even if they are skilled in Sign Language, they may not have the skills of an interpreter.  An interpreter is also bound by confidentiality, while a family member is not.  It is also important to understand that a staff member in a doctor’s office, for example, who has taken a class or two in Sign Language, is not an interpreter.

Additional Information:

Steele City Interpreters

412.596.4640

www.steelcityinterpreters.com

They also provide CART services

 

 Hearing and Deaf Services

412.281.1375

www.hdscenter.org

 

For further information about Statewide interpreters, information and resources, visit the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at: http://www.dli.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/office_for_the_deaf___hard_of_hearing/10371