Deborah Long

A few years ago, Deaf Access Services (DAS) was recruiting new members to join their Board of Directors. Former DAS Executive Director, Steve Lovi, mentioned my name as a prospective new member with the objective of expanding DAS' Board membership pool throughout the eight WNY counties. DAS already had a strong presence in Erie and Niagara counties, and adding Chautauqua County, which included, Jamestown, Fredonia and Oleans, would provide more exposure and awareness to DAS and its services. 

 

As President and Program Director for the Jamestown/Warren Deaf Club, former President and Newsletter Editor for the local SHHH, active member of both the Southwestern Association for the Deaf (SWAD) and Empire State Association for the Deaf (ESAD), and former Teacher of Lip Reading, I have been the 'local' point of contact for providing resources for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing people in the Jamestown area for many years.  I have conducted many basic sign language classes, medical sign language classes, and spoken to numerous groups about the various problems and situations Deaf and Hard of Hearing people encounter.  I am even listed in the Speaker Section of the WNY 211 system.  So joining DAS as a board member was a perfect match. I am currently in my second term.

 

DAS is working on adding new programs/services that will benefit everyone while increasing agency exposure throughout the counties. For example, the DAS presence in Chautauqua County has been slow but steady. We now have employers hiring candidates through DAS Employment Services. A DAS representative, Petra Saunders, held a seminar and demonstration about Video Interpreting Service (VRI), which would be especially useful in the remote areas of the county. Recently, Andrea Russell, DAS Community Advocate and Amy Heider, DAS Community Education Coordinator, attended our Deaf Club meeting to assist in compiling information for a survey that will help DAS determine what type of services are needed for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities, and then seek and apply for funding support.  And lastly, to gain a better understanding of DAS, their department coordinators, plan to attend one of the upcoming Jamestown/Warren Deaf Club meetings to introduce and explain the overall purpose and function of DAS and its various departments.

 

Granted, DAS has been struggling and striving to keep their services going but the staff and Sharon L. Hanson are doing a great job!!! 

 

I believe that working together, total communication, access, and education, are the best tools that DAS offers.  So let's use them wisely and continue to support our agency, Deaf Access Services.