How Can You Help?

Disclaimer:
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (#CH-1495) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THIS ORGANIZATION RETAINS 100% OF ALL CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED.

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Why make a gift to the Deaf and Hearing Connection?

Did you know that you and your family will most likely be affected by hearing loss?

}

} 1 in 3 people will experience hearing loss by the time they are 65.
} 1 in every 10 people currently experience hearing loss
} 64 used to be age when you started to experience hearing loss
} 46 is when hearing loss starts now - Baby Boomers are starting to experience hearing loss

How will you function in the work place, call your doctor for an appointment, hear your baby cry, or respond to a fire alarm if you can’t hear?

} Communication is based on sending and receiving information

} We grow up in a world where "hearing" is one of the most conventional ways to receive information.
} “Hearing” plays an important role in being aware of and participating everyday activities.
} Hearing loss is forever! Hearing aids may help your hear better but will not “fix” the problem (like glasses fix sight problems)

} Hearing loss can
} affect your ability to communicate
} lead to isolation by eroding your ability to interact with others
} increase relationship problems
} affect your self esteem
} all the above increase the likelihood of depression

The Deaf & Hearing Connection's Goals Are To:

Empower people affected by hearing loss to function as productive, independent and self-reliant citizens.
Provide education and training for the general public and employers to facilitate better communications with those who experience hearing loss.

DHC is making a difference

} The Deaf and Hearing Connection is a nonprofit organization.
} DHC has successfully provided cost effective, community based programs that enhance our client’s economic and emotional
} independence in the Tampa Bay area for more than 28 years.

} We are committed to providing programs and services which are client centered, address the needs of the whole person and their
} environment, and are provided in a setting that is appropriate for each individual’s needs, desires and potential.
} We provide services to between 6,500 and 7,500 clients in Tampa Bay every year

DHC accomplishes its mission by providing the following programs

The Hearing Help Center provides consumers with the very best hearing health care (including free hearing tests), in addition to the world’s finest affordable hearing instruments, equipment and other assistive devices.

Telephone Equipment Distribution keeps clients connected to the community through the distribution of specialized telecommunications equipment from Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc (FTRI). There is no charge for this equipment for qualified applicants.

The Living with Hearing Loss Program empowers clients to identify and cope with the affects of hearing loss so that they can communicate comfortably with others. This program helps clients learn about communications equipment and repair strategies, speech reading, assertiveness and self-advocacy, equipment technology, services and support groups.

Case Management helps clients become self-sufficient by working with them to create an individualized action plan that enhances their ability to overcome setbacks and barriers to living productive lives. This program also links eligible hard of hearing and deaf clients with the services and program they need.

Counseling makes it possible for clients to integrate into society and lead productive lives by: dispelling myths and irrational beliefs about hearing loss; creating realistic expectations regarding the impact of hearing loss on their lives and helping them develop appropriate coping skills; and assisting clients affected by depression, anxiety and isolation that can result from hearing loss.

Community Outreach and Education enhances the understanding of: hearing related issues and the consequences for our community; the importance of appropriate communications strategies; and, the availability of programs for persons affected by hearing loss.

Work Place Programs assist employers and employees with appropriate communications strategies, as well as compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Employment counseling for the deaf and hard of hearing is also available.

You Can Help!
Your charitable gift help make these programs possible! The Deaf and Hearing Connection is a nonprofit organization that relies on gifts from individuals to fund successful, cost effective programs to address the problem of hearing loss in our community.

Wish List
We have compiled a "Wish List" of things we could use to repair and improve our office, items we need on an ongoing basis, and things that will help us improve our programs:

} White copy paper
} Scotch tape
} Light bulbs
} Paper towels
} LCD projector
} Copier/printer toner

Most Families (75%) will be affected by hearing loss at some point in time. One in three people will experience hearing loss by the time they are 65. The communications breakdown that can accompany hearing loss may lead to isolation, inability to function in today’s society and relationship problems.

The Deaf and Hearing Connection’s goal is to empower people affected by hearing loss to function as productive, independent and self-reliant citizens. In addition, DHC provides education and training for the general public and employers to facilitate better communications with those who experience hearing loss.

The Deaf and Hearing Connection, a nonprofit agency, has committed more that 28 years to addressing the problem of hearing loss in our community. We provide cost effective services to between 6,500 and 7,500 people every year. Philanthropic support from individual donors plays an essential role in ensuring that services are available in Tampa Bay.

The following special events are scheduled:

} Living with Hearing Loss Class – Starts October 8

} Poinsettia Sale – Starts November 1

} 9th Annual Black Tie Gala – January 25, 2008

Volunteer – Photos of people helping people. More specific jobs worded to make them attractive and tell them how they are contributing to the mission. On line volunteer application. How about someone to man health fairs? Help with special events? Volunteers are vital to achieving the Deaf and Hearing Connection’s mission. Volunteers will be interviewed so that there is a good match between your talents and the jobs that are available. Training is provided on an as needed basis.

Current Volunteer Opportunities are as follows:

Office Assistant: Volunteers with a good working knowledge of databases and data entry will be trained and then to work on maintaining the database. We often have other clerical opportunities available where you will work directly with Deaf staff.

Events: There is always an opportunity to serve on a planning committee for an event or to work at an event. Events we have include, the Black Tie Gala, Poinsettia Sale, Rose Sale, Car Wash, Pancake Breakfast, Silent Socials, Captioned Movie Night, Crafts, Quilting and more! Check our calendar of upcoming events.

Marketing and Public Relations:
Create flyers and presentation materials using MS Publisher.
Call local businesses about linking to our web site and advertising in our newsletter, “Connections”.

Buddy Program: Lend a helping hand and become more proficient in ASL! You will be paired up with a Deaf “Buddy” and open up a whole new world for you and your “Buddy”!

If you would like to volunteer for any of these projects, email TDalrymple@dhctb.org or call 727-399-9983 X209 and ask for Teri.

A Special Thanks – Donor Recognition List with membership incorporated