Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Deafness and being hard of hearing refer to varying degrees of hearing loss. Deafness typically means a complete or profound inability to hear, while being hard of hearing refers to partial hearing loss, where individuals may have some residual hearing. People who are deaf may rely on sign language, lip-reading, or other forms of communication to interact, while those who are hard of hearing may use hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive devices to enhance their hearing. Both conditions can affect how individuals experience the world, communicate, and interact with others.
Maine Resources
Division of Deafness (DoD) - Provides a variety of services for deaf citizens of Maine including information and referral; advocacy; statewide registry; and promotion of accessibility. Additionally, DoD coordinates the assessment of the needs of people who are deaf and hard of hearing in order to recommend legislation to change or improve services. Other programs include Telecommunications Devices, Legal Interpreting, Identification Cards/Vehicle Placards, and Hearing-Ear-Dog registration.
Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MECDHH/GBSD) - Provides transformative learning, language-focused education, and opportunities for social-emotional growth, empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, birth to 22, to reach their full potential.
Maine Hands & Voices - A parent-led non-profit organization based out of Brewer, ME. Their mission is to provide families with information and resources to improve communication access and educational outcomes for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
MaineHealth - Services for Deaf and/or HoH People - Offers behavioral health and case management services for deaf and hard-of-hearing people of all ages. They are skilled in American Sign Language (ASL), spoken English, Signed Exact English (SEE), Visual Gesturing (VG) and are familiar with Deaf culture.
Pine Tree Society - Offers communication resources, case management services, and community support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people of Maine. The Pine Tree Society (in partnership with Pine Tree Camp) also hosts The Dirigo Experience–A camp for kids ages 7-15 designed to build confidence, leadership, and social skills while minimizing isolation.
Regional Resources
Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (NDHHS) - A nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the New Hampshire Deaf and Hard of Hearing community through empowerment, education, and advocacy.
New England Homes for the Deaf (NEHD) - Offers a continuum of care to Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing seniors, including independent living, rest home, skilled nursing community, Deaf senior centers, short-term rehabilitation services, respite care services, and hospice care.
The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC) - Provides educational programs for deaf and hard of hearing students from infancy through high school, along with community programs including American Sign Language (ASL) classes, an audiology clinic, and interpreting services.
National Resources
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) - Their mission is to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss through education, information, support and advocacy.
Lifeprint - Free online resource for learning ASL, taught by a native ASL speaker and teacher.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD) - Their mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America.
National Deaf Therapy List - A useful directory of deaf therapists currently taking clients throughout the nation.