Michigan's DHIS Provides Services to Help The Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing Stay Connected
Services offered include programs for seniors and special group outings
Social interaction is an essential part of humanity that can more difficult for some that for others. Every one of us needs to engage with others: at work, play or worship; with family and friends. It's humanity 101. However, the deaf or hard of hearing may need a little help, whether ensuring a safe environment or receiving that gentle nudge needed to get over any inhibitions to participating in all that life offers.
Fortunately, for more than two decades, Farmington Hills, Michigan-based nonprofit Deaf and Hearing-Impaired Services, Inc. (DHIS) has led the way in organizing social events for the deaf and hard of hearing. DHIS' programs for seniors and other groups keep them active in their local communities, and also provide the necessary transportation and safety net for excursions to places like amusements parks, the beach, museums or nearby tourist attractions.
"Sometimes, the deaf or hard of hearing just need a little extra encouragement. We are here to organize social events and provide any needed support, whether it's transportation, assistive hearing devices or making sure a certified American Sign Language interpreter comes along," says DHIS president Linda Booth.
Linda Booth is a longtime advocate and innovator in services for the deaf or hard of hearing consumer, carrying on the pioneering work of her mother, May Booth.
It starts with seniors. Booth notes that about 10 percent of Michigan's population is deaf or hard of hearing and that about half of these individuals become deaf or hard of hearing after the age of 64.
Thus, many of DHIS' social events for the deaf or hard of hearing originate from the organization's 16 satellite sites throughout southeast Michigan that serve the region's seniors. Social events conducted through these senior outreach programs include picnics, parties and field trips, with participation by hearing friends and families. DHIS also arranges social events for individual groups of deaf or hard of hearing individuals, which might be at the request of a senior living facility, a church group or another nonprofit organization.
"It can be someone's birthday or anniversary, or a trip to our world-renowned Greenfield Village in Dearborn. The deaf or hard of hearing can have fun and be safe. It's good to get out and about," Booth adds.
One of the most important factors to living a happy, healthy life is remaining socially connected to those around your. Social interaction is important for everyone - although for some it is more difficult when there are communication barriers to hurdle. Services like those provided by DHIS to the deaf and hard of hearing seniors it serves help to break down those ocmmunication barriers.
Social interaction is an essential part of humanity that can more difficult for some that for others. Every one of us needs to engage with others: at work, play or worship; with family and friends. It's humanity 101. However, the deaf or hard of hearing may need a little help, whether ensuring a safe environment or receiving that gentle nudge needed to get over any inhibitions to participating in all that life offers.
Fortunately, for more than two decades, Farmington Hills, Michigan-based nonprofit Deaf and Hearing-Impaired Services, Inc. (DHIS) has led the way in organizing social events for the deaf and hard of hearing. DHIS' programs for seniors and other groups keep them active in their local communities, and also provide the necessary transportation and safety net for excursions to places like amusements parks, the beach, museums or nearby tourist attractions.
"Sometimes, the deaf or hard of hearing just need a little extra encouragement. We are here to organize social events and provide any needed support, whether it's transportation, assistive hearing devices or making sure a certified American Sign Language interpreter comes along," says DHIS president Linda Booth.
Linda Booth is a longtime advocate and innovator in services for the deaf or hard of hearing consumer, carrying on the pioneering work of her mother, May Booth.
It starts with seniors. Booth notes that about 10 percent of Michigan's population is deaf or hard of hearing and that about half of these individuals become deaf or hard of hearing after the age of 64.
Thus, many of DHIS' social events for the deaf or hard of hearing originate from the organization's 16 satellite sites throughout southeast Michigan that serve the region's seniors. Social events conducted through these senior outreach programs include picnics, parties and field trips, with participation by hearing friends and families. DHIS also arranges social events for individual groups of deaf or hard of hearing individuals, which might be at the request of a senior living facility, a church group or another nonprofit organization.
"It can be someone's birthday or anniversary, or a trip to our world-renowned Greenfield Village in Dearborn. The deaf or hard of hearing can have fun and be safe. It's good to get out and about," Booth adds.
One of the most important factors to living a happy, healthy life is remaining socially connected to those around your. Social interaction is important for everyone - although for some it is more difficult when there are communication barriers to hurdle. Services like those provided by DHIS to the deaf and hard of hearing seniors it serves help to break down those ocmmunication barriers.
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