Life Skills

Our six-week classes introduce American Sign Language, the language used by Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing people in the United States and most of Canada. Since a language cannot be separated from its culture, this course will also provide introductory information on deaf culture. The objectives of this course are to provide participants with beginning ASL communication skills (including the alphabet, numbers, colors, and fingerspelling). Participants will develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary for basic interactions within the Deaf community.

Our one-on-one support is designed to understand and explain your Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This document contains detailed information about your cash benefits, health history, work history, health insurance, scheduled reviews, and access to work incentives. We ensure that you feel understood and cared for throughout this process.

Need help connecting to the digital world? We'll provide you with a tablet and help you set it up. We'll discuss your current digital footprint, barriers to access, creating accounts, and informed choices about digital platforms.

Our 3-tiered service includes:

1. Technology Assessment
2. Connecting to resources to remove barriers and assess skills with virtual service platforms
3. Virtual Platform Assessment & Training on your preferred platform.

This program is designed to sharpen your advocacy skills, boost your self-confidence, and empower you towards your self-advocacy goals.  Participants will engage in the following areas of skill building: Self-awareness, self-esteem building, stress management, communication skills, goal-setting, conflict resolution, and positive self-advocacy.

This assessment starts with a brief interview with the individual and their family or support network, if appropriate and with consent. We then develop an orientation tailored to the individual's specific needs, aligning skill development with their Independent Living goals. The hands-on Independent Living Skills Test covers home maintenance, hygiene, personal budgeting, socialization, culinary skills, and other daily living activities. Two DNEM staff members will conduct the interview, orientation, and training.

This course offers various materials and activities to assist consumers with enhancing their vocational skills and conveying the importance of soft skills in the workplace. Participants will identify their skills, strengths, and weaknesses. During this program, information and resources related to networking, job hunting, pre-employment documents such as resumes, and interviewing techniques will be provided. In addition, participants will learn about their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, explore the topic of disclosing their disability, and discuss reasonable accommodation in the workplace.

This is a three-day mobility training course on navigating public transportation. On day one, individuals learn about public transportation safety, what to carry, and the dos and don'ts. On day two, we take a bus trip into the community with staff. On day three, individuals arrange transportation from their home location to navigate local public transportation where needed.