About DHHSC

In order to assist deaf and hard of hearing individuals in achieving their goals of independence and equality, DHHSC offers these core services:
  • Advocacy Services
  • Communication Services (including Interpreting)
  • Independent Living Skills Instruction
  • Counseling
  • Job Development & Placement Assistance
  • Community Education
  • Information & Referral

DHHSC also has a bookstore & some offices have a equipment display. In addition, several offices have resource libraries for our community to borrow materials.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center, Inc. (DHHSC) is a private, non-profit social service agency that serves individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and late-deafened, their families, friends, and community service providers. DHHSC’s headquarter office is located in Fresno (serves Fresno County) and has been in operation since 1984.

We have Outreach Offices in Salinas (serves Monterey and San Benito Counties), Merced (serves Merced, Madera, and Mariposa Counties), and in Visalia (serves Tulare and Kings Counties). This region includes an estimated deaf and hard of hearing population of over 171,000. DHHSC’s mission is to empower deaf and hard of hearing individuals to advocate, seek equality, and promote self-determination through empowerment for those who seek our assistance; and to enhance the awareness and understanding of Deaf Culture and the unique communication needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.

DHHSC is strongly committed to open and equal access to all of our events and services. Please let us know let us know your communication needs so that we can provide you with services as effectively as possible.

If you have a request for special accommodations for an appointment or event, please contact us in advance. DHHSC adheres to an "of, by, and for the deaf" philosophy. A majority of the members on our Board of Directors are deaf or hard of hearing. Therefore, we are in a unique position of understanding the needs and are knowledgeable in the provision of specialized services to this special popliation.

We are one of eight (8) agencies in California which receive funds through the State Department of Social Services Deaf Access Program. Other funding sources are: the Department of Rehabilitation, First 5 Merced County, United Way of Merced County, Harden Foundation, the County of Fresno, and the Bertha and John Garabedian Charitable Foundation and some private donors.

No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, handicapped status or the ability to pay, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination with respect to DHHSC's services. DHHSC's facilities are accessible to all persons with disabilities.

DHHSC, Inc. is primarily funded by the Department of Social Services Office of Deaf Access.

Copyright © 2005 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved