Deafblind Community Access Network (DBCAN)
Matching Individuals with Trained Providers to Help DeafBlind people Keep Their Independence. DBCAN was established in 2001 as an Act of the Massachusetts State legislature. It was a result of intensive lobbying efforts on behalf of the DeafBlind Interpreter Alliance (DBIA) as well as members of the DeafBlind & Deaf community, Disability Policy Consortium, D.E.A.F. Inc., and MCDHH. The program is funded by a $450,000 annual contract overseen by Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) and MCDHH and operated by D.E.A.F. Inc.
DBCAN is available for:
- Conducting personal errands (bank, hairdresser, shopping, etc.)
- Reading mail, etc.
- Exercise and other fitness programs
- Getting to and around the public transportation system
- Attending community, educational, recreational, religious and cultural
events
- Helping DeafBlind people keep their independence within their community
DBCAN is not:
- A replacement for services already existing in the community
- An Interpreter Service
- An Independent Living Program
- Case Management Services
- For rides only
- A housekeeping/cleaning service
- Personal care attendant service
Each qualified DeafBlind applicant is entitled up to 16 hours a month of Provider Services.
To request an application to become a Consumer or Provider, please
contact:
Elaine Ducharme
DBCAN Director
DEAF, Inc.
215 Brighton Avenue
Allston, MA 02134
617-254-4041 TTY/V
800-886-5195 TTY/V
617-254-7091 Fax
educharme@deafinconline.org
Family Resource/Shared Reading
DBCAN
