Community Support Services

Community Support Services (CSS)

Our Community Support Services counsellors support teens and adults living with hearing loss, and their families in Simcoe County and Muskoka. We offer equal access to information, education, resources and services from within the community and promote healthy independent living.

Community Support Services staff are fluent in American Sign Language, English and French, and work alongside individuals who identify as culturally deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard-of-hearing, in their preferred language or mode of communication (speech reading, sign supported speech, text).

Dad and son signing (2)
captioned call

Personalized support may include:

LITERACY support, including filling out forms and applications

Short-term COUNSELLING, crisis intervention and referrals

COORDINATION of complex services

Providing an ACCESSIBLE LINK to local community resources

ADVOCACY for individuals and accessibility education to community

Inclusive educational WORKSHOPS and events

COMMUNICATION strategies for individuals with hearing loss and the community at large

RESOURCES and information relating to hearing loss implications, technology, language and culture

Specialized services can be made available to meet the needs of individuals with hearing loss and additional considerations (developmental, behavioural, adaptive communication), including support to their families and/or caregivers.

Seniors Programs

Supporting deaf and hard of hearing seniors living in Simcoe County and Muskoka to maintain their social connections, health and independence and continue to live at home. We work with programs and services from within the community at large to promote inclusion and accessibility.

VON SMART Exercise Program

DEAF SENIORS LEADING DEAF SENIORS

VON is Canada’s only national, not-for-profit, charitable home and community care organization. VON’s SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together)® programs are community-based, volunteer-led exercise programs for seniors that accommodate all levels of ability.

Deaf Access has taken the program further by offering VON SMART Programs for Deaf and hard of hearing seniors taught by Deaf seniors in ASL.

Exercise sessions for Deaf Seniors 50+ years old
Currently offered virtually
*LIMITED number of participants*

senior couple in active wear smiling at camera
Senior Health Care Coord

Health Care Coordination

WORKING TOGETHER TO:

  • Organize and keep track of your appointments
  • Facilitate calls
  • Support a better understanding of medical information (diagnoses, treatments, etc.)
  • Coordinate vaccinations
  • Schedule grocery and medication delivery
  • Connect you with community services (home care, transportation, active living, etc.)
  • Assist with requests for interpreting services
  • Review and fill out forms
  • Educate health care professionals about your access and communication needs

Better Connections

Communication strategies, tools, supports, and social groups for older adults who are  Deaf and Hard of Hearing

COMING TOGETHER TO:

  • Learn new strategies for clearer communication
  • Practice using assistive technology (captioned video-calls, sound amplifiers, alerting devices, etc.)
  • Connect with others with similar experiences and challenges
  • Take part in online and in-person social meet-ups and individualized one-on-one support
Better Connections