Deaf Resources
Services are provided by eight contracted private non-profit charitable corporations with several outreach offices. (For the DAP provider nearest you, click here for a copy of the DAP map and DAP Headquarters Contact List).
Note: DCARA, further down on this resource list, is the local Deaf Access service provider for Santa Clara County and much of the surrounding region.
Services include: communication services, advocacy services, job development and placement, information and referral, counseling, independent living skills instruction, and community education.
DCARA provides seven categories of services for all D/HH/LD/DB community members and their families: communication access assistance, independent living skills, employment services, peer counseling, information & referral services, advocacy, and community education.
Peer Counseling - Provides information, assistance, and emotional support during an immediate crisis through constructive coping skills, improving self-esteem, learning to adjust to a new self-identification, or develop new personal advocacy skills.
650 North Winchester Blvd
Suite 3
San Jose, CA 95128
VP: (510) 343-6670
E-Mail: info@dcara.org
Provides free special equipment to consumers with hearing, vision, speech, mobility, and cognitive disabilities.
Call: 1-877-546-7414
TTY: 1-800-867-4323
Provides peer counseling, support groups, and advocacy for victims of sexual assault and/or domestic violence in the deaf community. Advocacy provided towards accessible resources, referrals and case management.
VP: (510) 735-8553
E-Mail: deafhope@deaf-hope.org
Alameda County Family Justice Center (Partnered with DeafHope)
The ACFJC is a Division of the District Attorney’s Office and provides visitors with legal, health, and support services and the opportunity for physical and psychological safety, recovery and well-being.
ACFJC is a one-stop center, with 30 onsite and over 50 offsite agencies and programs, for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and exploitation, child abuse, child abduction, elder and dependent adult abuse, and human trafficking.
ACFJC Client Navigators will link you to the services you request.
470 27th St
Oakland, CA 94612
V/TTY: (510) 267-8800
Fax: (510) 740-0946
E-Mail: info@acfjc.org
The Deaf Crisis Line provides emotional support and resources through a conversation over videophones, FaceTime or a text messaging 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. The program connects people who are deaf or hard of hearing to others who understand their language and culture. This is an important component of the Deaf Crisis Line because it provides a unique level of empathy for the caller. This service is based in Missouri; however, they will take out of state calls.
VP: (321) 800-DEAF (3323)
Text: HAND to 839863
Provides individual and family counseling that is age-appropriate and culturally-competent. They can assist with a variety of emotional and mental health needs. Services are provided at the agency's Julian Street office in San Jose. This program has several therapists that are fluent in American Sign Language. They accept Medi-Cal (for Santa Clara County residents), private insurance, and offer a sliding fee scale for individuals without insurance who are not Medi-Cal-eligible. While Family & Children Services does have a therapist that will accept CalVCB, the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Program is not currently setup to do so.
VP: (408) 899-5053
Voice: (408) 292-9353
Highly-trained advocates are available 24/7/365 to talk confidentially and non-judgmentally with anyone experiencing domestic violence, dating abuse, or sexual assault. Advocates can talk to you if you need support, if you are seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of your relationship. Advocates can speak with survivors, concerned friends and family members, and service providers working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.
Advocates who are Deaf are available 24/7 through the National Deaf Hotline, in partnership with ADWAS:
VP: (855) 812-1001 (only for Deaf callers)
IM: DeafHotline
E-Mail: nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org
Hearing advocates are available 24/7:
Voice: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
TTY: (800) 787-3224
Advocates can also be contact though the “Chat Online Now” button on The National Domestic Violence Hotline’s website, located at the top of the screen, from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Central time.
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
TTY: (800) 799-4889
Voice: (800) 273-8255
The Lifeline can also be contact though the “Chat” button on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's website, located at the top of the screen. This service is available 24/7.