The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Independent Living Program offers a range of services to Deaf, Late-Deafened, and Hard of Hearing Adults in Greater Boston and in the South East, North Shore, and Greater New Bedford/Fall River of Massachusetts. To make Independent Living a reality for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, we offer Advocacy, Skills Training, Peer Counseling, and Information and Referrals.
Advocacy
- Applying for benefits (SSI/SSDI, Food Stamps, Medicaid/MassHealth, WIC)
- Finding affordable housing
- Obtaining legal help
- Having your landlord install safety equipment in your home
- Finding appropriate medical care and social services
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Skills Training
- American Sign Language
- Communication coping strategies
- Survival English and Math skills
- Using a bank, a checking account, and a savings account
- Budgeting
- Obtaining and using equipment such as TTYs, Visual fire alarms and doorbells, and Assistive Listening Systems
- Transportation skills, using the MBTA
- Using a sign language interpreter
- Filling out applications
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Peer Counseling
- Opportunities to talk with a Deaf and Hard of Hearing person and share life experiences
- Opportunities to share thoughts and ideas regarding communication
issues
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Information and Referral
- Puts people in touch with specific services and benefits related to their needs
- Offers technical assistance and training for other providers (including
medical professionals) who want to be more accessible to Deaf and Hard
of Hearing people
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To request more information about the DHILS Program, please contact Carol Hilbinger at 617-254-4041 TTY/Voice, or fill out our online form.
Independent Living Program
