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Valley Center of the Deaf is a non-profit organization,
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Phoenix, AZ 85008 |
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In 1982, VCD joined with Community Outreach Program for the Deaf (COPD) and Arizona, Inc. to strengthen its ability to provide interpreting, telephone relay and counseling services. Funding for professional staff was provided by a grant from the Arizona Department of Economic Security. VCD'S staff are professionally trained to help others meeting the challenges associated with deafness.
SERVICES:
Programs provided at VCD include:
VCD is affiliataed with Catholic Community Services of Southern, Arizona. Funding for the center's professional staff has been provided by: Arizona Community Foundation, City of Phoenix Job Training & Partnership Act, Title XX, City of Phoenix Development Block Grant, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Maricopa County, Governor's 10% and private contract fee for services.
VCD also acknowledges the Lions Foundation of Arizon for
their finacial support of the center's building facitities.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES:
For Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals looking for a job, VCD provides a wide range for services and options, as funding permits. Servcies include job-seeking skills training, job placement, counseling, supported employment, on-the-job training and follow-up. All job placements provide the necessary supports for successful employment outcomes and are based on the Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals desire goals.
VCD also provides guidance and counseling through job
skills and aptitude testing to clientele, and job site analysis, job matching
and information on ADA compliance to employers.
INTERPRETING SERVICES:
An interpreter is an individual who is fluent in both English and American Sign Language (ASL). the Interpreter is able to accurately and effectively convey a complete conversations, signing what the hearing individual is saying, and voicing what the Deaf individual is signing.
Anyone may request an interpreter to assist in communication, where signing is the primary mode of communication. Interpreter services are appropriate for:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public agencies and certain public accommodations (such as physicians, lawyers, libraries, day care centers, and hotels) to provide accommondations, including interpreters. Businesses, public agencies, and non-profit organizations may call for fee-for-services information.
VCD only provides interpreters whose qualifications are documented by state rating or national certification.
COMMUNICATION ACCESS SUPPORT SERVICES FOR EMPLOYERS
VCD offers specialized support services to employers with
Deaf employees, from Communication Access Specialists, who are fluent in
sign language and are trainig specialists. These Specialists not only facilitate
communication between the employer and the employee, but also provide training
suppoert by offering suggestions on the effective training techniques,
communication strategies and information on deafness. Businesses may call
for fee-for-service information.
INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES
Deaf and hard of hearing individuals may receive information and referral services, advocacy and/or Independent Living Skills services may include bus training, personal budgeting training, communication development and other skills as needed.
Specialized services focusing on the concerns facing Deaf
seniors and seniors experiencing hearing loss later in life are available.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Deaf and hard of hearing students attending any of the
Maricopa County Community Colleges, who are also Vocational Rehabilitation
clients, are offered support services. These services are provided to ensure
that Deaf students have access to all programs offered by the Community
colleges. This includes interpreting services, assistance with program
planning, deaf awareness instruction, and tutoring services.
