Member Spotlight: Deaf Services Center, Inc. (DSC)

Provide us with a brief summary of your business’ services.
Deaf Services Center, Inc. (DSC) empowers those faced with language barriers by promoting access to communication. Our resources help those who have hearing loss or are non-English users to fully access the English language in communicating with others. Headquartered in central Ohio, with satellite offices serving the northwest and southeast areas of the state, DSC is the largest provider of services for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind in Ohio. A 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, DSC works hard to empower the communities we serve.

Tell us about your company’s mission and values.
DSC’s mission is to empower the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind and to promote access to communication, services and events in the community.

DSC’s philosophy is that Deaf and Hard of Hearing people are important and can do anything that Hearing people can do except hear. We believe that Deaf individuals have the right to make their own decisions and to have access to full participation in the community. We strive to provide the highest quality of services in order to empower the community and strengthen partnerships and participation. DSC envisions a community where there are no communication barriers facing Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind individuals.

How has your organization adapted to changes and challenges over the course of the last year?
During this challenging time of COVID-19, DSC was able to convert in-person services to online platforms. For special circumstances like tactile interpreting or special community services situations, we were able to meet in person by appointment only following strict CDC guidelines. By providing the hybrid option of in person or online interpreting services, meetings, and ASL (American Sign Language) classes we were able to meet the needs of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind communities with little to no interruption. Now that Ohio is starting to open up for in person business, DSC will continue offering hybrid solutions to meet the ongoing needs of the communities we serve.  What does that mean for all of us? DSC is now poised to offer services for practically every situation possible to meet the needs of the community.

What is a service provided by your organization that most people may not be familiar with?
DSC’s Early Intervention program is a critical service for families that have a child born with hearing loss. Hearing Early Intervention Specialists provide support and assistance to families who have children from 0-3 years old diagnosed with hearing loss. After a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, parents are referred for a language development assessment and development of the Individualized Family Service Plan. Family training, counseling and home visits address a wide variety of topics relevant to acceptance of the child’s hearing loss, appropriate early childhood development and most importantly receptive and expressive language development. We serve families in Central Ohio: Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, and Union counties.

How important is your company culture and how do you foster a positive company culture?
DSC has a warm and friendly working environment that embraces and values diversity and creativity in the work we do.

DSC employees show a commitment to our mission and values in everything they do. Breaking down communication barriers for all is what we do best.

What sets your business apart?
DSC has been involved in the Deaf Community for 30 years. We value the collaboration of the Deaf Community, DSC Board and staff, and the hearing Community to provide high quality programs and services to those we serve. Our view is that we all work together toward a common goal of collaboration in providing our communities with the highest standard of service.

What makes Columbus such a great place to do business?
The spirit of collaboration and strong philanthropic community come together in support of the diverse communities that are represented here in Columbus. This idea of working together is what makes Columbus a great place to live and work.

 Social Media
Twitter: DSCDeafColumbus
Facebook: Deaf Services Center – Columbus
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/deaf-services-center-inc-
Instagram: DSC_Columbus25
Website: www.dsc.org