Community Support For The Deaf | Community Programs Salisbury

Deaf Independent Living Association, Inc. (DILA) offers several community-based services and programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who already live independently in their communities. These services are provided by specially trained staff that are fluent in American Sign Language.

PERSONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

DILA offers many personal support services to deaf and hard-of-hearing community members. Eligible individuals receive limited support services based on their needs and desires. DILA provides assistance with the following:

Accessing community services
Social Security benefits management
Understanding and responding to written correspondence
Making appointments

Money management
Arranging transportation assistance
Leisure activities and social opportunities
Learning how to properly use the services of sign language interpreters.

To receive Personal Supports Services individuals must be referred to DILA from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration.

Advocacy

DILA helps deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to become effective self-advocates by giving them access to the resources they need to make informed decisions and communicate their needs. To eliminate communication barriers, we also offer deaf culture sensitivity training to the community.

ASL Classes

A distinct language with its own vocabulary, grammar and linguistic rules, American Sign Language (ASL) is the most commonly used sign language in the United States. Depending on funding availability, DILA offers basic, intermediate and advanced ASL classes for interested individuals. Classes are typically taught by a deaf instructor twice a week for five weeks two to three times a year. A minimum of 10 students is required and there is a nominal fee requested. Click here for next scheduled class.

Information And Referral

DILA is a clearinghouse for information pertaining to services for the deaf. We are the leading Human Service agency on the Eastern Shore that serves the deaf and hard of hearing community with developmental disabilities as well as those with an interest regarding deafness. If we can't provide the information you seek we can refer you to someone who can.

Public Video Phone (VP)

We offer a video phone (VP) that uses Video Relay Services (VRS), a technology that enables sign language users to converse in their native language with the person they are calling. VRS allows users to express their emotions and feelings (similar to a person-to-person call.) Once a connection is made, a professionally trained video relay interpreter begins translating the user’s sign language into spoken language or text for the other (hearing) party. When the other party responds, the operator translates his or her words back into sign language for the VRS user. Community members are welcome to use our Videophone Booth.

Get Support!