By Joseph Ponte, Program Coordinator, Valley Center of the Deaf
Photo by Crys Bean
Valley Center of the Deaf (VCD) is a community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1978 by members of the Deaf community. VCD seeks empowerment of deaf and hard of hearing individuals to live independently and achieve their personal goals. VCD often “fill the gaps” in the community by providing services and advocacy not available elsewhere. Hearing loss is a low-incidence disability that is still often overlooked in a larger hearing community, and those with hearing loss face formidable communication barriers, which can prevent them from living and working independently. At VCD, we assist our clients in bridging the gap between the deaf and hearing worlds. To us, every person matters. That is why we work so hard to help our clients gain independence in their daily lives.
Through nearly four decades, our efforts have enabled us to discover how best we can fulfill our clients’ needs.
We pride ourselves on returning to these communities for guidance in creating new programs and services such as case management and being the only provider of Sighted Support Provider (SSP) to the deaf-blind in Maricopa County. We are also a provider of deaf-blind assistive technology through ICANCONNECT – a National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) – a federal program mandated by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). We are proud to provide case management services at Apache ASL Trails (AAT), a state-of-the-art residence designed for deaf and hard of hearing senior citizens. AAT is owned and operated by Cardinal Capital Management, Inc.
VCD is directed by an advisory board comprised of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the community and others who have experience and interest in deaf and hard of hearing needs and concerns. We strive to provide services that are effective and accessible to our deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing clients.
Our staff members are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), well-prepared to respond to the needs of our clients and well-informed about the resources available within the community. Our services are free to deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing individuals.
Learn more about VCD
Voice: (602) 267-1921
TTY: (602) 267-9122
Videophone: (623) 208-4349
interpreting@vcdaz.org
www.vcdaz.org
