Connecting People Through Communication

Specialized CSD Programs And Services

ADVOCATE AND EDUCATION SERVICES: CSD provides support for the Deaf Community through its advocacy. Our Deaf Advocate works with individuals who are Deaf by securing their rights under ADA. We also help individuals understand difficult or complicated written English and assist with making significant phone calls. We provide individual and family assistance in daily living skills, vocational issues, and information and referral. All of these services allow individuals who are Deaf to improve their independent living skills.

“BABY SIGN” CLASSES: CSD offers baby sign classes to parents of hearing babies. Research indicates that children are ready to "talk" before they can speak and using very basic sign language (milk, more, momma, dada, bye bye) can alleviate frustration and enhance communication. Classes are available throughout the community throughout the year, and can be individualized or brought to your group, activity, etc.

C-PRINT SERVICES ®: C-Print is a speech-to-text system developed at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), a college of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). It was originally designed to improve the classroom experience for students at both the secondary and college levels. Today, C-Print is successfully being used to provide communication access to individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing in many programs around the country. In addition to educational environments, the system can be used in meetings and workshops and with individuals with other disabilities. CSD continues to expand C-Print® services to local churches and classrooms throughout the greater community.

CSD AWARDS DINNER: This annual event is an opportunity for the Deaf community to come together and celebrate its rich culture and successes. We acknowledge those who have had a positive impact on the community over the past year. Nominations are solicited and awards given to: a Corporate Partner (a business that recruits and maintains a good working environment for people who are Deaf), Excellence in Accessibility (A venue that is known to be “Deaf Friendly” by providing interpreters, staff fluent in ASL or other devices/accommodations), Outstanding Volunteerism & Advocate Award (someone who stands up for their own rights or those of people who are Deaf) and the Outstanding Deaf Teen Award (a teen who demonstrates leadership qualities).

DEAF ADVISORY BOARD: This ad-hoc is comprised of consumers who are Deaf and family members of people who are Deaf. These volunteers advise CSD about topics of interest and of concern to the Deaf Community at large.

DEAF TEEN CLUB: Are you the only student at your school with hearing aids? Are you the only student at your school with a cochlear implant? Are you the only student at your school who uses sign language? Are you the only person in your family who signs? Do you want to meet other Deaf and hard of hearing teenagers? If so, come to the Teen Club!! Deaf Teen Club is open to all Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teenagers. Some of the teens sign and some do not-the group supports all!!!

DEAF TOWN HALL MEETING: Ann and Frank Benedict, longtime members of the Cincinnati Deaf Club with Dr. Gordon Margolin following the Hearing Speech & Deaf Center's Deaf Town Hall Meeting held on Tuesday, June 9th. "Ask the Doctor" was very popular and attended by approximately 25 members of the Flying Fingers Senior Group of the Cincinnati Deaf Club. Questions ranged from concern about arthritis, cost of medications, low fat diets, need for vitamins, dementia and getting an interpreter when in the hospital. Everyone agreed it was an excellent presentation and were so grateful to Dr. Margolin for his expertise!

DEAF ZOO DAY: Annually, CSD and the Cincinnati Zoo sponsor this event designed to give those in the Deaf community an opportunity to attend tours, exhibits and watch shows that are interpreted. Volunteer American Sign Language Interpreters spread out all over the zoo and are on hand throughout the day to sign for adults and children who are Deaf. The zoo charges a reduced admission price for those attending through this program.

SIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION AND INTRODUCTION TO DEAFNESS FOR BUSINESSES AND AGENCIES: Research has documented that employers frequently rate workers who are Deaf as better or about the same as hearing co-workers in the following performance areas: quality and quantity of output, attendance, safety, and working without supervision. However, some accommodations will need to be made in order to optimize the experience for the employee, the supervisor and co-workers. This does not have to be expensive nor require a great deal of equipment. CSD’S staff consults with employers who are motivated to making the experience a positive and productive one.

SIGN LANGUAGE MENTORING: CSD works to improve services to the Deaf community by mentoring new interpreters at no charge. Our highly skilled interpreters guide interpreting students and new graduates to promote the development of quality community interpreters.

VIDEO PHONE USE: Free and available to members of the Deaf community during normal business hours.

VIDEO RELAY INTERPRETING (VRI): This service utilizes internet videoconferencing and web-based technology to link people who are Deaf to interpreters. HSDC is one of ten centers in Ohio participating in this program. Once the equipment is installed, a person simply makes an appointment and an interpreter will be available to facilitate communication.