National Organizations
This list of organizations has been created by MN Hands & Voices at Lifetrack to let parents know about some of the most important resources available. Our directory is updated annually. This list is not exhaustive, and details about organizations can quickly become outdated. We encourage you to contact the organizations directly for the most current and comprehensive information.
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.
Website: agbell.org
Address:
3417 Volta Place NW
Washington, DC 20007
Phone: 202.337.5220 (V/TTY)
Fax: 202.337.8314
Email: info@agbell.org
About: Through advocacy, education, research and financial aid, AG Bell helps to ensure that every child and adult with hearing loss has the opportunity to listen, talk and thrive in mainstream society. With chapters located in the United States and a network of international affiliates, AG Bell supports its mission: Advocating Independence through Listening and Talking!
Services include: magazine, academic journal, financial aid and scholarship awards, special interest section for parents, and many other programs.
American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC)
A national nonprofit parent organization that provides support and info to families raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Website: deafchildren.org
Address:
P.O. Box 23
Woodbine, MD 21797
Phone: 800.942.2732 (Toll Free)
Email: info@deafchildren.org
About: ASDC members receive The Endeavor Magazine, special pricing for their Biennial Conventions, unlimited use of their 800 information and referral line, and special pricing for their speakers bureau. Families of deaf and hard of hearing children may join ASDC through their First Year Free Program. For more information visit the ASDC website.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
A professional association for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language and hearing scientists.
Website: asha.org
Address:
2200 Research Blvd.
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 800.638.8255 V/TTY (Toll Free)
Local: 301.296.5700 (V)
Email: actioncenter@asha.org
Services include: information on children and hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive technology; research journals; help in finding an audiologist or speech-language pathologist.
The Autism Network for Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Blind/Visually Impaired
A compilation of parents, affected individuals and professionals with special interest in people with autism and deafness, or autism and blindness.
Website: autism.org
Address:
4182 Adams Avenue
San Diego, California 92116
Email: HearingVisionNetwork@autism.com
About: The Network's mission is to raise awareness of communication and education needs as well as to promote advocacy and research for those who have autism and are deaf/hard of hearing and/or blind/visually impaired.
BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Provides information and technical assistance to parents of children, birth through age 21, who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Website: ncbegin.org
Address:
156-A Wind Chime Court
Raleigh, NC 27615
Phone: 919.715.4092 (V/TTY)
Email: Raleigh@ncbegin.org
About: Although direct services are for North Carolina residents, this organization has an excellent website for parents.
Services include: impartial information about all communication approaches and educational settings, information and support to parents regarding educational rights and procedures, assistive technology, and audiology.
Better Hearing Institute
A national organization that provides information on hearing loss, and its treatment and prevention.
Website: betterhearing.org
Address:
777 6th Street NW
Office 09-114
Washington DC 20001
Phone: 202.975.0905
Hearing Help Line: 800.EAR.WELL
Email: mail@betterhearing.org
Services include: Hearing Help Line which provides comprehensive information on hearing loss, sources of assistance, and other available hearing help.
Boys Town National Research Hospital (Center for Childhood Deafness)
An interdisciplinary program providing research, family and child education/clinical programs, and information dissemination.
Website: boystownhospital.org
Website: babyhearing.org
Address:
425 N. 30th St.
Omaha, NE 68131
Phone: 402.452.5000 (V/TTY)
General Inquiry: 531.355.6520
Services include: information about early measurement of hearing, effective education for children and families, creating auditory environments when instructing children who are deaf or hard of hearing, genetics, sign language, and cochlear imlpants.
Centers for Disease Control: Hearing Loss in Children
Provides information and resources to parents who believe their child has hearing loss.
Website: cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/
Email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
Phone: 800.CDC.INFO (V)
Phone: 888.232.6348 (TTY)
About: Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop communication, language, and social skills. The earlier children with hearing loss start getting services, the more likely they are to reach their full potential. If you are a parent and you suspect your child has hearing loss, trust your instincts and speak with your child’s doctor. Don’t wait!
Communication Access Information Center
Provides information for consumers of captioning and Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) services.
Website: captioningmatters.org
About: The website provides information regarding captioning and CART, specifically for people who are hard of hearing and deaf as well as for officials who decide how access services will be provided. CART allows deaf and hard‐of‐hearing individuals to fully participate in activities such as conferences, religious services, appointments, and school. CART captioners accompany people to the appointment, class, etc. and use a stenotype machine and a laptop to instantly transcribe the spoken words into text that a person with hearing loss can read on a screen.
The CART Provider Directory on the NCRA Web site allows you to find a CART provider in your area by city and state. Many of the CART providers offer remote CART services as well. This is a wonderful resource that connects consumers with providers in an easy‐to‐use manner. Please go to the CART Directory: ncrasourcebook.com to find a CART provider near you.
Information includes: how to locate a CART provider, what to expect from a CART provider, where CART can be used, and resources for obtaining CART in the elementary, secondary and post-secondary school settings. Additional information can be found at the NCRA homepage: ncra.org
Deafed.net
Enhancing collaborative efforts between parents and professionals.
Website: deafed.net
Contact Person: Dr. Harold Johnson, Site Director
Email: admin@deafed.net
About: Since 2008 DeafEd.net has been entrusted to Hands & Voices to keep it going and remain relevant to Deaf Education. Hands & Voices is a parent-led not for profit organization with the mission of supporting families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) without a bias around communication modes or methodology so children can reach their highest potential. One important way to accomplish this is by ensuring D/HH students have access to educational professionals who are highly trained to meet the unique needs of D/HH children. But finding these professionals can be challenging. DeafEd.net is a platform designed to bring together program administrators serving D/HH students and professionals looking for positions, so they can post job openings and resumes, find each other, and get to the business of helping our D/HH students.
Very Well Health
Provides over 700 sites related to deafness/hard of hearing issues.
Website: deafness.about.com
About: Examples of topics covered are sign language, deaf culture, ear basics, deaf studies, hard of hearing, families, cochlear implants, hearing aids, parenting, and accessibility.
Department of Justice (DOJ)
Works to enforce laws to ensure "fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans."
Website: justice.gov
Address:
950 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
Disability Rights: 202.307.1035 (V/TTY)
ADA Hotline: 800.514.0301 (V)
ADA Hotline: 800.514.0383 (TTY)
Email: askDOJ@usdoj.gov
Services include: ADA Mediation Program, ADA Regulations and technical assistance materials, other publications related to disabilities rights laws, and website links to many other resources, such as “children with disabilities” and “resources for parents.”
Diglo
Website: diglo.com
Address:
15155 Technology Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344-2277
Toll Free: 800.825.6758 (V) & 800.825.9187 (TTY)
Local: 952.906.1180 (V) & 952.906.1198 (TTY)
Fax: 952.906.1099
Email: hello@diglo.com
About: For more than 35 years, as Harris Communications, we worked to improve the lives of people with hearing loss. Deaf founder Dr. Robert Harris started the company in 1982 in order to bring TTY and other communication devices to his community. We're proud of our history and the lives we've changed. But now we're pledging to do even more.
Today, we're Diglo. Our name comes from the Greek word 'diglot" which means bilignual. And we chose it because we understand your language, whether you speak, write, or sign. Our customer service team is ready to help you by phone, videophone/ASL, text, or email. We're here to help you find the products that solve your challenges. Our mission is to make sure that how you hear never stops you from doing what you want in life At Diglo, we promise to help you live better. That starts with finding the right solution for you, no matter what your hearing need. But it also means giving you the best price. Our website combs through competitors’ prices 24/7 and automatically matches the lowest ones. That means shopping with Diglo gives you the lowest price available. Every time, guaranteed.
Fetaweb
To teach parents effective special education advocacy skills.
Website: fetaweb.com
Fetaweb is designed to teach parents effective special education advocacy skills – “Learn to recognize pitfalls and avoid mistakes that prevent parents from successfully advocating for their children.” The site includes articles, checklists, sample letters, charts, and resources.
Services include: online access to Yellow Page for Kids with Disabilities, created so that “people who love and work with children can get reliable information, support and connect with one another. Parents can use this site to find many kinds of resources, government programs, grassroots organizations, and support groups.”
Gallaudet University
The only liberal arts university in the world designed exclusively for deaf and hard of hearing students.
Website: gallaudet.edu
Address:
800 Florida Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002-3695
Phone: 202.651.5750 (V)
TTY: 202.651.5114
VP: 202.250.2474
Email: admissions.office@gallaudet.edu
About: GU’s Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center has a Publications and Information Dissemination Office, a good source of information for parents (see separate listing.)
In addition to their undergraduate and graduate academic programs, GU also offers national demonstration elementary and secondary education programs.
Global Coalition of Parents of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (GPOD)
An international collaboration of parent groups dedicated to promoting improved systemic protocols and practices.
Email: gpodhh-owner@yahoogroups.com
About: The Global Coalition of Parents of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (GPOD) promotes improved systemic protocols and practices which encourage informed choice and the empowerment of families with a deaf or hard of hearing child throughout the world.
Handspeak
An award-winning, leading resource website on sign language and its culture for ASL students, instructors, families and professionals.
Website: handspeak.com
Resources include: online ASL Dictionary, fingerspelling, ASL tutorials, ASL literature, sign language articles, language acquisition, signing with baby and toddler, and international sign.
Harbor House Law Press
Harbor House Law Press publishes information about special education law and advocacy.
Website: harborhouselaw.com
About: Their publications are “designed to meet the needs of parents of children with disabilities, regular and special educators, special education service providers, health care professionals, child advocates, and attorneys who represent children with disabilities.”
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
A national consumer organization representing people with hearing loss.
Website: hearingloss.org
Address:
6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 320
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: 301.657.2248 (V)
Fax: 301.913.9413
Email: inquiry@hearingloss.org
About: HLAA impacts accessibility, public policy, research, public awareness, and service delivery related to hearing loss on national and local levels. HLAA’s national support network includes an office in the Washington D.C. area and an extensive network of chapters and state organizations. The HLAA mission is to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, support and advocacy.
Programs and services include membership which includes Hearing Loss Magazine - our bimonthly publication, printed informational materials, annual conventions, our nationwide Walk4Hearing, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) implementation guidelines, website and support for parents of children with hearing loss, workshops for members, consumers and professionals in education, rehabilitation, and health care service agencies.
House Ear Institute
A nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with hearing loss and related disorders.
Website: hei.org
Address:
2100 W. 3rd. St
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Phone: 213.483.4431 (V)
TTY: 213.484.2642
Email: info@houseresearch.org
About: Institute scientists research the auditory system, at the level of function, as well as at the cellular, molecular and genetic levels. We also explore the neurological interactions between the auditory system and brain, and study ways to improve auditory implants, diagnostics, clinical treatments and intervention methods. We share our knowledge with the scientific and medical communities as well as the general public through our education and outreach programs.
The House Research Institute's Children's Auditory Research and Evaluation (CARE) Center is devoted to improving the communication ability of infants and children with auditory disorders through research, clinical services and education of professionals and families.
John Tracy Clinic
Provides parent-centered services locally and globally to young children with a hearing loss, offering families hope, guidance and encouragement.
Website: jtc.org
Address:
2160 West Adams Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Phone: 213.748.5481 (V)
Email: pals@jtc.org
Services include: JTC services include comprehensive pediatric audiological evaluations, a parent-infant program, auditory-verbal therapy services, family and parent support programs, counseling services, worldwide parent education, an auditory verbal preschool, as well as professional education, including a master’s degree program in partnership with Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles.
Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
Provides information, training and technical assistance for parents and professionals to meet the needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Website: clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/
Address:
Gallaudet University
800 Florida Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002-3695
Phone: 202.651.5051 (V/TTY)
VP: 202.250.2586
About: Our mission is to improve the quality of education afforded to deaf and hard of hearing students from birth to age 21 throughout the United States. The Clerc Center is federally funded and:
- Operates two demonstration schools, Kendall Demonstration Elementary School and the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, both which are located on the campus of Gallaudet University and are tuition-free.
- Publishes several resources, including Odyssey: New Directions in Deaf Education
- Develops and disseminates products
- Provides training across the nation
National Association of the Deaf
Safeguards the civil rights of deaf and hard of hearing Americans.
Website: nad.org
Address:
8630 Fenton St. Suite 820
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3876
Purple/ZVRS: 301.587.1788
Sorenson: 301.328.1443
Convo: 301.338.6380
TTY: 301.810.3182
Fax: 301.587.1791
About: As a national federation of state association, organizational and corporate affiliates, the advocacy work of the NAD encompasses a broad spectrum of areas, including but not limited to, accessibility, education, employment, healthcare, mental health, rehabilitation, technology, telecommunications, and transportation. The NAD website (http://www.nad.org) has a wealth of advocacy information and resources.
Programs include: Biennial National Conference, Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP), Youth Programs (Junior NAD, Youth Leadership Camp, National Leadership Training Program, and Mrs. Deaf America Ambassador). NAD Law & Advocacy Center.
National Association of the Deaf Law Center
The mission of the National Association of the Deaf Law Center is to promote, protect, and preserve the rights and quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America.
Services include: information, advocacy, legal representation, and youth programs.
National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA)
The first and largest consumer organization for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people of color established in the United States.
Website: nbda.org
Email: info@nbda.org
About: NBDA was founded in 1982 because of Black leaders’ concern that the African-American community was not adequately represented in leadership and policy-making affecting their lives. The President must be Deaf and African-American, but membership and advocacy is open to all.
Services include: advocacy, membership, news reports, state chapters, and social activities.
National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM)
The National Resource Center for the implementation and improvement of comprehensive and effective Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EDHI) systems.
Website: infanthearing.org
About: As a multidisciplinary center, our goal is to ensure that all infants and toddlers with hearing loss are identified as early as possible and provided with timely and appropriate audiological, educational, and medical intervention.
National Cued Speech Association: Deaf Children's Literacy Project
The National Cued Speech Association supports effective communication, language development (international languages) and literacy in families with deaf, hard of hearing or learning disabled infants, children and youth through the use of Cued Speech.
Website: cuedspeech.org
Address:
P.O. Box 2733
Fairfax, VA 22031-2733
Phone: 800.459.3529
Email: info@cuedspeech.org
About: Cued Speech is multi-modal and sensory-integrated in providing the appropriate phonemic language base for literacy. The Cued Speech system provides cued listening, cued speechreading, cued language and cued speech. Cued Speech has been adapted to more than 70 languages. NCSA offers information about Cued Speech use with children and adults with a variety of hearing, speech, and language needs. Visit our website for comprehensive information and videos of families.
Services include: information and referral/networking, family camps, publications, instructor certification, On Cue newsletter, and Cued Speech charts and a free first-year membership for families new to Cued Speech. The on-line store and catalog has an extensive offering of books, software, games, instructional and information video CD/DVDs, t-shirts and gifts.
Cue College (online store): cuecollege.org
Site includes information, event listings, and news
Email: info@cuecollege.org
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Conducts and supports basic and clinical research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language.
Website: nidcd.nih.gov
Address:
1 Communication Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20892-3456
Phone: 800.241.1044 (V)
TTY: 800.241.1055
Email: nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov
Services include: research, publications, and newsletter. NIDCD’s new Noisy Planet campaign at noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov, focuses on tweens and the parents of tweens to educate children about their hearing and how to protect it.
National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)
More than 1,200 deaf and hard-of-hearing students study and live with approximately 14,000 hearing students at RIT.
Website: rit.edu/ntid
Address:
52 Lomb Memorial Drive, LBJ Hall
Rochester, NY 14623
Phone: 585.475.6400 (V/TTY)
Email: ntidmc@rit.edu
Mission: To provide deaf and hard-of-hearing students with outstanding state-of-the art technical and professional college education programs, complemented by a strong liberal arts and science curriculum, that prepare them to live and work in the mainstream of a rapidly changing global community.
Services include: At RIT/NTID deaf students earn associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees in more than 200 programs in Applied Science and Technology, Business, Engineering, Computing and Information Sciences, Imaging Arts and Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Science.
RIT/NTID’s deaf and hard-of-hearing students have access to faculty who use sign language, as well as unprecedented support services including interpreting, tutoring, career counseling, academic advising, and direct instruction in some course sections taught specifically for deaf students. Also, cooperative work experiences provide students the opportunity to apply the skills they learn in a job related to their field of study.
Purple Communications
Purple Communication Services are available for a wide variety of consumer and businesses based on their specific communication needs.
Website: purple.us
Address:
11900 N. Jollyville Road #204209
Austin, TX 78759
Office: 800.900.9478
Customer Care: 877.885.3172
About: Text and Video Relay Services include: Hands On VRS, i711.com, and IP-Relay. These Purple Services are specially tailored to meet the needs of people who are deaf or who have profound hearing loss. Language Services offer a variety of services for deaf individuals. Purple Language Services also offer video remote interpreting (VRI) which offers on-demand interpreting services delivered over a live Internet video link.
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
RID certifies interpreters and provides various support services to practicing interpreters, students of interpretation, and those interested.
Website: rid.org
Address:
333 Commerce Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 571.838.0030 (V)
VP: 571.257.3957
Email: RIDinfo@rid.org
Services include: presenters, speakers, workshops, and classes on such topics as the interpreting profession, interpreter preparation programs, certification, national ethical practices system, and interpreter referral services.
The Signing Exact English (S.E.E.) Center
The S.E.E. Center works with parents and educators of hearing impaired children to promote a large array of solutions.
Website: seecenter.org
Address:
5701 Springdale Road
Austin, TX 78723
Phone: 512.919.5263 (V)
Email: questions@esc13.net
About: The S.E.E. Center promotes the following: early identification and intervention, development of improved English skills, understanding of principals of Signing Exact English and its use, information to parents on deafness and related topics, and the positive development of self-concept in the deaf child.
Services include: information about the pros and cons of Signing Exact English and other communication choices, information and referral regarding hearing loss, parent information packet, workshops, and videotapes. The center also conducts weekend and weeklong Skillshops to improve sign communication skills of parents, interpreters, aides, extended family members, and anyone involved with deaf and hard of hearing children.
Sorenson Communications
Sorenson Communications provides communication services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Website: sorenson.com
Address:
4393 South Riverboat Rd, Suite 300
Salt Lake City, UT 84123
Phone: 801.386.8500 (V)
About: Sorenson Communications is focused on breaking down communication barriers with its innovative solutions and high-quality products
Services include: Sorenson Video Relay Service (VRS), and Sorenson IP Relay.
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income is a cash assistance program funded and administered by the Federal Government.
Website: ssa.gov
Twin Cities Metro Office:
1811 Chicago Ave, Suite 2
Minneapolis, MN 55404-1998
National Phone: 800.772.1213
National TTY: 800.325.0778
About: SSI provides monthly cash assistance to persons who have disabilities and limited income and resources. There is no minimum age limit for establishing eligibility based on blindness or disability.
For other offices, go to ssa.gov and click on "contact us" then "office locator."
Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss
Resources for both parents and professionals to improve the futures of children who are hard of hearing or deaf.
Website: successforkidswithhearingloss.com
Address:
12094 Anderson Rd., Suite 347
Tampa, FL 33625
Contact: Karen L. Anderson, PhD, Director
Email: Karen@success4kidswhl.com
About: This is a ‘go-to’ site for professionals and family members seeking more information about the learning and social issues of children with hearing loss and what you can do to better support the future success of these children. Resources are at no cost, designed to be easy to understand quickly, and practical to use. Products and webcasts are of high value at a minimum price.
Wrightslaw
Provides parents, advocates, educators, and attorneys with accurate, up-to-date information about effective advocacy for children with disabilities.
Website: wrightslaw.com
Email: webmaster@wrightslaw.com
About: There are hundreds of articles, cases, newsletters, and other information about special education law and advocacy.
Services include: online access to advocacy library, articles, law libraries, free on-line newsletter, and bookstore. The site also contains two documents created especially for new parents called “Advocating for Your Child – Getting Started” and the “Wrightslaw Game Plan for New Parents.”
Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities
Provides resources specifically for children with disabilities.
Website: yellowpagesforkids.com
About: Find educational consultants, psychologists, educational diagnosticians, health care providers, academic therapists, tutors, speech language therapists, occupational therapists, coaches, advocates, and attorneys for children with disabilities on the Yellow Pages for Kids for your state.
Services Include: special education schools, learning centers, treatment programs, parent groups, respite care, community centers, grassroots organizations, and government programs for children with disabilities.