Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services

Deaf Services

Deaf Services (DS) serves the needs of those who are culturally deaf by providing training and advocacy to meet both cultural and communication needs through individualized services and group trainings and workshops. One-on-one services include budget assistance, assistance with written correspondence and forms, medical guidance and advocacy, and legal assistance. Group trainings cover a range of topics of interest to the deaf community, such as the voting process, enrollment in Medicaid, etc. DS sponsors the Deaf Teen Club for ages 14 to 18. Programming includes social, educational, and volunteer components. DS collaborates with other agencies to better serve their mutual clients.

In addition to those who are culturally deaf, many people who are hard-of-hearing or have some degree of hearing loss also need assistance with understanding paperwork and working through processes and procedures. They also are in need of an advocate to resolve issues of communication and remove barriers. DS has worked to meet the needs of this population through individual services, workshops and trainings. DS works to empower all deaf and hard-of-hearing clients to learn how to problem solve and how to access resources.

Interpreting Services

The Interpreter Services (IS) program works as a third-party billing source to provide qualified interpreters statewide 24/7. The goal of this program is to provide accessibility. The Cente matches businesses, schools, courts, hospitals and other entities with certified interpreters. The Center maintains the highest ethical standards and practices so that the consumer is ensured a quality experience and proper communication is achieved. IS provides a voice for the deaf consumer and ends dependency on parents, siblings and other family members to serve as interpreters.

The IS Program is one of three interpreting service providers in the state. ADA law requires that businesses that serve the public must communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities and provide auxiliary aids and services when needed. Businesses request interpreters for their clients for medical, court, educational and other needs. Clients may also request an interpreter for a specific situation. By filling interpreter requests, we are able to meet the need of accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing clients as well as support businesses in remaining ADA compliant.


Schedule

Deaf Teen Club

3rd Saturday | 6:00-8:00

Silent Dinners

October 26 | 6pm, Woodland Hills Mall Food Court

November 18 | 2pm, Mother Road Market

December 7 | 6pm, Woodland Hills Mall Food Court

Silent Coffee Chats

1st Friday | 6pm,
Barnes & Noble at 8620 E. 71st Street, Tulsa, OK

2nd Friday | 6pm,
Starbucks at 1832 Utica Square, Tulsa, OK

2nd Saturday | 2:30pm,
Starbucks at 1640 W Tucson Street, Broken Arrow, OK

3rd Friday | 6pm,
Starbucks at 11073 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK

4th Friday | 6pm,
Starbucks at 1546 N. 9th Street, Broken Arrow, OK

Sign Language Classes

Tulsa

Sign Language 1 (10 weeks)
Tuesdays, September 5 – November 14
6:30-8:30pm

Sign Language 2 (10 weeks)
Mondays, September 11 – November 20
6:30 – 8:30pm

Location: Red Cross, 10151 E. 11th St., Tulsa, OK 74129
$120/person plus $20 textbook (The textbook for ASL 2 is the same as for ASL 1)

Owasso

Sign Language 1 (8 weeks)
Thursdays, September 21 – November 16
6:30-8:30pm

Location: Owasso Community Center, 301 S. Cedar St., Owasso, OK 74055
$96/person plus $20 textbook

Jenks

Sign Language 1 (10 weeks)
Tuesdays, September 5 – November 14
6:30-8:30pm

Sign Language 2 (10 weeks)
Thursdays, September 21 – December 7
6:30 – 8:30pm

Location: Jenks High School, Central Campus Sooner Building, 105 E. B St., Jenks, OK 74037
$120/person plus $20 textbook