About Us
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services of Florida, Inc. (DHHSFL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to serve the needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. Based in West Pasco County with additional satellite locations, DHHSFL offers a comprehensive range of programs and services designed to support clients and their families. Our organization is dedicated to fostering empowerment, accessibility, and independence for those we serve, ensuring that all community members have the resources and support needed to thrive.
Our Mission
To provide high-quality services and programs that promote empowerment, equal access, education, independence, and integrity for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and speech-impaired individuals. Through advocacy, education, and community partnerships, we strive to remove barriers, enhance communication, and improve quality of life for our clients and their families.
Our Services
Community Education & Awareness
The Community Education & Awareness program provides sensitivity and awareness training to local organizations, businesses, and community groups to enhance their ability to serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals effectively. Our trainings cover a broad range of topics, including communication strategies, Deaf culture, emergency preparedness such as hurricane safety, and navigating systems like Medicare and other essential services. By educating the community, we reduce barriers, foster inclusion, and promote equitable access to resources for those with hearing loss. Trainings are tailored to meet the specific needs of each group and may be conducted in person or virtually. Program events, workshops, and training sessions are regularly announced on our website and Facebook page, ensuring broad community participation and engagement. Through these initiatives, we aim to increase awareness, improve service delivery, and build a more accessible and supportive environment for Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents across our community.
Supported & Employment Services
The Supported & Employment Services program assists Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining meaningful employment. Our team provides one-on-one support throughout the entire job search process, including career exploration, job readiness training, résumé development, interview preparation, and workplace communication strategies. We collaborate closely with employers to promote accessibility, raise awareness about Deaf culture, and ensure that appropriate accommodations are in place for long-term success. This program not only helps clients secure sustainable employment but also fosters confidence, independence, and financial stability. Supported & Employment Services are offered through a contract with Vocational Rehabilitation and enhanced by local grant funding, allowing us to reach more clients across the community. By bridging the gap between qualified job seekers and inclusive employers, we are helping to create a more equitable workforce where Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals can thrive professionally and contribute their valuable skills to the community.
Signing for Everyday Living (SFEL)
The Signing for Everyday Living (SFEL) program offers vital communication support to individuals experiencing hearing loss, as well as to their family members, friends, and coworkers. These interactive classes teach practical sign language skills designed to enhance daily communication and strengthen relationships at home, work, and in the community. Participants learn essential vocabulary and conversational signs that supplement the spoken word, helping bridge the gap between the hearing and hard-of-hearing worlds. Beyond sign language instruction, the program also addresses the emotional and social aspects of hearing loss, offering strategies to reduce frustration and feelings of isolation. By fostering inclusion and understanding, SFEL empowers participants to maintain independence and stay engaged in their personal and professional lives. Thanks to generous funding from the United Way of Pasco County, these classes are provided free of charge and are offered at various community centers, senior facilities, and virtually. Through SFEL, we are building a more connected, accessible, and compassionate community for all residents affected by hearing loss.
Communication Access Assistance & Advocacy
The Communication Access Assistance & Advocacy program provides essential support to Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals who experience communication barriers in their daily lives. Our program ensures clients have equal access to employment, education, healthcare, and community resources by promoting full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Through personalized assistance, we help clients understand and exercise their rights, obtain necessary accommodations such as interpreters or captioning services, and effectively communicate with employers, service providers, and government agencies. Our advocacy extends to raising community awareness and educating organizations about accessibility and inclusion. By bridging communication gaps, we empower clients to live more independently, participate actively in their communities, and achieve their personal and professional goals. The program’s measurable outcomes include increased access to essential services, improved self-advocacy skills, and strengthened partnerships between the Deaf and hearing communities—creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
Telephone Distribution (FTRI)
The Telephone Distribution Program at DHHSFL serves as one of the regional distribution centers for Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI). The program provides specialized telecommunications equipment to qualified Deaf and Hard of Hearing Florida residents at no cost, helping them stay connected and maintain independence in daily life. Available equipment includes amplified telephones, captioned telephones, voice carry-over telephones, and audible and visual ring signals, among others. In addition to distributing equipment, our program offers educational presentations on essential services such as 711 Relay, Text-to-911, and videophone technology, demonstrating how these tools enhance communication and accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. By combining equipment distribution with training and awareness, the program ensures that clients can confidently use technology to communicate, access emergency services, and participate fully in their communities. For more information about amplified telephones, participants may contact Yasmin Colon at 727.853.1010.
Support Our Community!
We sincerely thank you for taking the time to learn about the work of DHHSFL and the services we provide to Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and their families. Your interest and support mean the world to us.
Our programs rely on the generosity of donors like you to thrive. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a real difference — helping our clients gain access to vital services, build independence, and fully participate in their communities.
We hope you will consider joining us in this mission by contributing toward our fundraising goal of $50,000. Giving is easy — just click the donation button.
From all of us at DHHSFL, thank you for your time, your care, and your commitment to empowering those with hearing loss. Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive community.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The DHHSFL Team