Our History
Deaf Action Center (DAC) was established in the fall of l975, at the request of a group of local Deaf citizens who recognized the need for an agency dedicated to eliminating barriers for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Founded by visionaries, John and Elizabeth Criswell, Deaf Action Center was conceived to act as an advocate and service provider, catering to the unique needs of people with hearing loss. The Deaf Action Center was initially organized under the Dallas Council for the Deaf, but as the Council had little experience in providing direct client services, the Deaf Action Center project would soon become an entity in itself. On August 29, 1977, Deaf Action Center was incorporated as an agency, and moved to its present location at 3115 Crestview Drive, Dallas, TX 75235. Elizabeth Criswell, one of the center’s original founders, became the first Executive Director.
Some thirty years later, the dedicated staff at Deaf Action Center continues to implement the most comprehensive range of programs and services available to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. With offices in Abilene, Dallas, Fort Worth, Longview, and also serving the Nacogdoches area, Deaf Action Center is considered a ‘benchmark’ service provider, both nationally and internationally, and maintains its original mission of eliminating barriers, and making a positive difference in the lives of those with hearing loss. Deaf Action Center is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization.
Our Vision
To provide the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community the compassion, understanding and tools needed to live and work collaboratively.
Our Focus
To continue to expand our services to meet the ever increasing needs of our clients, and to assist anyone at any age, at any level of hearing loss to reach their full potential.
Statistics
- Over 278 million people worldwide (one million in Texas) have a hearing loss.
- Only 20% of people who would benefit from a hearing aid actually wear one.
- Almost 40% of people with learning disabilities have a significant loss of hearing.
- Three babies born per week at Parkland Hospital have a hearing loss. (www.bhi.org)
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