Easter Seals Disability Services

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services

Florida Telecommunication Relay, Inc. (FTRI)

Easter Seals Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services is a regional distribution center for Florida Telecommunication Relay, Inc. (FTRI). We provide specialized telephone equipment to the residents of Volusia and Flagler counties who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind or speech impaired. The specialized equipment provided through this program is loaned to eligible individuals for as long as they need it AT NO CHARGE.

Interpreting Services

Interpreters are available upon request to enable the community to comply with the ADA requirements. The interpreters are available to assist in college classes, vocational training, doctor's appointments, etc. Interpreting services are available 24/7.

Easter Seals Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services provides qualified interpreters for situations such as; doctor’s appointments, job interviews, education, workshops, social security appointments and any other situation where communication through American Sign Language is necessary

American Sign Language is a separate, distinct language with its own grammar and syntax.  An interpreter is a professional trained to mediate two languages and cultures.  The interpreter is not present as an advocate, nor is he or she a family member.  The interpreter adheres to a strict professional Code of Ethics, emphasizing confidentiality and neutrality in all interpreting situations.

If you need information on the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), you can find it at http://www.nad.org/.

Click here to view the Florida DCF interpreter procedures.

Information And Referral

Staff are available to individuals and agencies to answer phone inquiries, assist walk-ins, and mail requested materials for those who are seeking information. Staff also provide information about ADA requirements for the public and private agencies and businesses who provide services to the Deaf and hard of hearing consumer.  For more information, call 386-257-1700, toll-free 1-877-255-4568 or TTY 386-257-3600.

Education And Advocacy

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services targets agencies, organizations, and individuals regarding the needs of the Deaf and hard of hearing population, increasing the understanding of the Deaf and hard of hearing disability and legal (ADA) requirements for the Deaf and hard of hearing.

The Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (FCCDHH) presented its 2009 report to the Governor and Legislature: 3 million Floridians at risk. Nearly 3 million Floridians are deaf or hard of hearing… impacting countless others whose lives are affected by family members with hearing loss.

The FCCDHH has 13 governor-appointed volunteer members and four state agency designees. It is mandated by statute to serve as an advisory and coordinating body which recommends policies that address the needs of persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened and deaf-blind, as well as methods that improve the coordination of services among public and private entities and to provide technical assistance, advocacy and education.