The biggest challenge facing the Southern Utah Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs is publicity. Those who need its services simply don't know the programs are available.
"Our mission is to provide a better quality of life for people with hearing loss of any degree," says Emily Tanner, programs director, through an interpreter.
Although Tanner is deaf, she emphasizes that her offices serves people with all levels of hearing loss - from minor to complete hearing loss. Others in the office have different levels of hearing ability.
Danny Radford, office manager, is not hearing impaired but he can sign and interpret to facilitate communication with people who are deaf.
Tanner says the office is free of any communication barriers because there are staff members with different hearing backgrounds. They also have plenty of technology on hand to assist with communication.
There are videophones, which help people who are deaf communicate with each other via sign language. They also have UbiDuo machines, which are like large text-messaging machines with full keyboards.
"It kind of bridges the gap," Tanner says.
The office is part of the Utah Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing so it is fully funded through the state. Tanner and Radford say the major challenge is making sure the community knows the office is there.
Enhancing the communication abilities of people who are deaf or hard of hearing is the primary goal. Tanner says obstacles to communication can create a sense of isolation for those who have hearing loss.
"There's a lot of isolation so we try to provide ways for them to overcome that," she says. "We want to bring everyone together as a community."
People with hearing loss do not often attend community events such as workshops or church services because they usually cannot understand what is being said. Part of the services offered at Tanner's office include workshops with interpreters so those with hearing loss have a chance to interact with each other at an event where they can communicate.
Radford says the needs of the deaf community, especially, are different. There are plenty of workshops in the area for older residents yet they may not have services to help those who are deaf or who face a high level of hearing loss.
"It's not really just a communication problem; it's a whole different world," Radford says.
Tanner says they especially want those who are hard of hearing know there are services to help them, too. Too often, she says, they don't feel as if they fit in with either the deaf or the hearing communities.
The office also seeks to help people who have friends or family members who are deaf or hard of hearing.
"Some people come in and are so excited because they haven't talked to their spouse in five years," Radford says. "Some people cry they are so happy."
Tanner says they also educate couples about coping with hearing loss, even if only one of them is losing hearing.
"We always encourage couples to come together," she says. "Usually there is one of them with hearing loss but it affects communication for both."
Another service they provide is an American Sign Language class for hearing people. There is also an interpreter lab from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays that is open to those who are interested in enhancing their sign language or are working to become interpreters.
Basically, Tanner says, they offer about anything related to hearing loss, from advocacy, case management and outreach programs to assistive technology, agency referrals and education about various services.
Technology assistance
Radford emphasizes that all services are free. This includes their technology assistance program, which allows people with hearing problems to borrow a variety of devices to see if the technology works for them before deciding to purchase them.
The devices include a variety of vibrating alarm clocks, amplified phones and other communication assistance devices. There are also systems that use lights or vibration to alert people with hearing problems to doorbells, telephone calls and even smoke detection.
For example, in Tanner's own home she has both light and sound systems. She and her husband are deaf but their children can hear.
There are even some devices with tone control for people who can only hear high or low tones.
When it comes to addressing how technology can help those with hearing problems, Radford says there is "no cookie-cutter approach."
However, Tanner says sometimes people have to recognize they need help. One man tried an amplified phone but returned it, saying it didn't work. The reality was that his hearing was getting worse.
"A lot of people are in denial and they don't want to face up to their problems," she says.
The office loans phones on a long-term basis as long as those using them live in the area, Radford says. However, the office does not sell any of the products.
It does partner with the Utah Association for the Deaf, a nonprofit organization that sells a variety of devices. The association uses a room at the office so those buying products do not have to purchase them through a catalogue.
The association's hours are 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is offering 10 percent off the products this month for Christmas.
As far as the rest of the services go, Tanner and Radford say the key is getting the word out about the office. They hope those who know people with hearing problems will refer them to the office for help.
"Let them know we are here," Radford says. "Have them come in. It's free."
The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It's located at 1067 E. Tabernacle St., Suite 10, in St. George. Walk-ins are welcome but they prefer appointments to ensure the correct staff members are available.
For more information or to make an appointment, contact the office at 673-8974 for voice calls or through a TTY machine. For videophone calls use (866) 939-2975.
A monthly mailing list is also available. To be added to the list, contact Radford at the above numbers or at dradford@utah.gov.
Originally published on December 7, 2008 at The Spectrum (http://www.thespectrum.com)
