Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
SADI's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services were created to bridge the communications gap that exists between deaf or hard of hearing and the hearing community; by offering sensitivity and awareness trainings on Deaf Culture, interpreting and referral services, adaptive equipment, accessibility laws, and other information related to deafness in Southeast Missouri.
In addition, members of the deaf and hard of hearing community have free access to our video phone during normal business hours/video relay interpreter services are available upon request.
INTERPRETING SERVICES
As the area's only agency providing Sign Language interpreting services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, we strive to meet the interpreting needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community at all levels: Medical emergencies, job training, higher education, legal affairs, and psychological counseling, among others. Interpreting service fees are paid by the institution, public or private businesses, organizations, and state agencies that provides services to the deaf and hard of hearing consumers, not by the consumers themselves. *Tax credits are available for small businesses to encourage compliance with the American with Disabilities Act.
ADVOCACY
We provide advocacy services to deaf and hard of hearing consumers who encounter cultural barriers or otherwise difficulties in areas of employment, healthcare, etc., due to their disability while instilling self-reliance and responsibility.
SKILLS TRAINING
Training is offered to deaf and hard of hearing consumers on a variety of subjects depending on individual need. Training can be offered on such things as budgeting, assertiveness, effective parenting, etc.
CONVERSATIONAL SIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION
For relatives, co-workers, or friends of deaf and hard of hearing consumers, we offer basic and intermediate conversational Sign Language instruction with the aim of enriching relationships through more effective communication skills.
ADVANCED INTERPRETER TRAINING
We provide this service to professional interpreters who are interested in acquiring a higher Missouri Sign Language certification level via mentoring in actual interpreting settings, classroom instruction, and personalized guidance. In addition, SADI is a proctor site for individuals seeking to take the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing written certification test.
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