Health/Disability Related Support Groups

The program provides HIV/AIDS services primarily for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and for health care professionals. Services include AIDS education and prevention, mutual support groups and peer counseling, and volunteer opportunities. Some services are targeted to gay men and to IV-drug users. There are no geographic restrictions.

The program provides HIV/AIDS education and prevention services are accessible to people who have special communication needs. Publications and video tapes are available to the public in the program's resource center. Educational services are available for schools, groups of deaf people and other organizations.

An outreach program targeting IV drug users provides information about preventing the spread of HIV. Drop-in services include peer counseling, and referrals for support groups for deaf or hearing-impaired gay men.

The program also provides volunteer opportunities for both deaf and hard of hearing adults who are fluent in American Sign Language. Volunteers participate in a training program and may then provide information and referral or peer counseling, or staff information booths at community events.