Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services provides Communication Access Assistance/Advocacy (CAA) services to those individuals who are experiencing a hearing impairment and need assistance in accessing the available services within the community.
The CAA provides the services of assessing the individual’s needs, linking them to available services within the community, monitoring the success or barriers to services, advocating to community resources to ensure service access and ensuring that the individual plans for services necessary for success in the future. Services are provided to deaf, hard of hearing, and late deafened adults over the age of 18 who need assist in maneuvering within the multiple layers of services in the community. The CAA specialists are fluent in American Sign Language and aware of the cultural diversity that is prevalent within the deaf and hard of hearing population.
In many circumstances, the CAA specialist is also an individual who is experiencing hearing loss or deafness. Upon the individual’s referral to DHHSF, the CAA specialist will assess the individual’s needs and wants regarding the services in the community. While utilizing that information, the CAA specialist will formulate a plan with the individual regarding the services available in the community and the individual’s choice. The CAA specialist will assist the individual by linking them to the services needed.
The CAA specialist can assist individuals with amplified equipment, resource material, computer access, employment services, support groups and social activities to help them better cope with the outside world. The CAA specialists are experienced and well versed in the services available in the community to meet all of the individual’s needs including medical, mental health, employment, access to benefits, housing, social supports, transportation, education and communication.
The CAA specialist will work with the individual to instill empowerment and independence and will maintain contact until the individual no longer needs assistance.