CSD
As mentioned on the page “Dealing With Deafness,” the risk of social isolation is high for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc. (CSD) is a private nonprofit that helps to combat this alarming trend. Their services range from technology that helps deaf people connect from inside their homes to in-person interpreters (in certain states).Currently, CSD has locations in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas. The company offers interpreting services, which can be booked via the company’s website (www.c-s-d.org), in four of those states: Maryland, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Texas. The services in other states vary by location. For instance, in Ohio, CSD hosts Deaf BH MattersConsumer Advocacy Network, a service for deaf people with Behavioral Health issues. CSD Ohio also features a Deaf Off Drugs & Alcohol Program, a Regional Infant Hearing Program (RIHP) provided free to eligible families, Case Management and Counseling Services that offer support to both the deaf and their families, and Development Disabilities Services. The services offered in other states can be found at the CSD website.The company’s innovative video CSD (vCSD) program is available around the country. vCSD uses video conferencing, videophones, and/or webcams to connect deaf individuals with support specialists, especially those who can benefit from behavioral health counseling. Other services include domestic violence counseling and deaf advocacy. vCSD is especially helpful for deaf individuals in isolated areas without physical access to services, but this technology does require an Internet connection. That’s why CSD also sponsors Project Endeavor, a program for installing high speed broadband internet in the homes of the deaf and hard of hearing. The company is currently hiring American Sign Language speakers to work in the contact center, as well as web graphic and layout designers and PC techs. If you’d like to get involved with CSD and helping to build connections with deaf individuals in need, contact the company today.Other CSD services include CSD Interpreting Online (CSDIO), which offers online real-time interpreting services for deaf and hearing people in the same room, and SIGNews, a monthly newsletter with information relevant to the deaf and signing community.