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Deaf Action Center was established upon the
request of a group of Deaf citizens who saw and felt the need
for an agency with a mission dedicated to the elimination
of barriers affecting individuals who are deaf or hard of
hearing. Deaf Action Center is a non-profit organization serving
the needs of people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in North
Texas and throughout the State. The Center was founded in
the fall of 1975. DAC was first conceived with a vision to
act as an advocate and service provider catering to the unique
needs of people with hearing loss. The original founders discovered
it was necessary to create an agency that would serve the
Deaf Community directly while developing and cultivating other
community resources. Today, Deaf Action Center is a specialized
center for people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Deaf Action Center was first organized under
Dallas Council for the Deaf, a community-based parent-professional
organization which had been in existence for over 30 years,
but which had no experience in direct client service delivery.
Initially, emphasis was placed on providing only interpreting
and information-referral services. Within six months the project
was incorporated as an agency. Elizabeth Criswell, one of
the founders, became the first Executive Director. In June
1977, Deaf Action Center moved to its present location, 3115
Crestview Drive, Dallas, Texas 75235.
Deaf Action Center stands out in the community
as a non-profit organization that provides numerous services
to both the deaf and hearing communities. The Agency has developed
an outstanding reputation in the State of Texas. Services
include providing coping skills training for those losing
their hearing, educating and assisting in the areas of advocacy,
communication services for those who are deaf or hard of hearing,
counseling, instruction in American Sign Language, providing
a daily program and a noon meal for senior citizens with hearing
loss, technology training, and a 40-unit apartment complex
for households that have members who are deaf and/or hard
of hearing. Through the education, socialization and assistance
available at Deaf Action Center, individuals are empowered
to lead a fulfilling and independent life.
Our focus continually expands to meet the
ever-growing needs of our clients. The Mission of Deaf Action
Center is to eliminate barriers, but the goal is to assist
people with all levels of hearing loss to reach their full
potential and to allow them the same opportunities as those
available to people without hearing loss. Deaf Action Center
continues to strive to provide excellent services for the
benefit of people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Our future
is filled with many exciting opportunities for Deaf Action
Center and our clients. Through support from United Way, increased
contributions from foundations, individuals and corporations
and fundraising events, the mission of Deaf Action Center
will continue to succeed.
Our mission is the elimination of barriers
to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
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