Support

Services for People with Sensory Disabilities

ILS employs an advocate for the Blind and Visually Impaired and an advocate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

We offer individual advocacy and support for these populations, including:

1. A support group for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

2. A support group for Blind and Visually Impaired consumers

3. Information and resources about auxiliary communication equipment and services for people with sensory disabilities.

We have a Sorenson machine and a TTY machine available for use by Deaf and Hard of Hearing community members at no charge.

Systems change initiatives and community education in this area includes:

1. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Visor card program offered by RILC in partnership with the Towns

of Clarkstown and Ramapo. The purpose of the cards is to facilitate effective communication

between drivers who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing and law enforcement professionals.

2. The distribution of hospital kits to community hospitals and other health providers to facilitate

access to medical services by people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

3. Community education, outreach and training on the needs of people with sensory disabilities

and how to access services.