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Welcome to DSC – Portsmouth

Our Southeastern Ohio location serves the region with an array of services and programs specifically designed for the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing in this area.

Programs and Services Offered in Portsmouth

Interpreting & Translation Services
Since 1991, DSC has provided high quality interpreting services in order to address the communication needs for the communities we serve. Whether you need American Sign Language Interpreting, Spoken Language Interpreting, Speech-to-Text Captioning, Video Remote Interpreting, document translation or onsite interpreting, we provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We interpret for any type of setting including but not limited to medical, dental, business, trainings, legal, mental health, educational, artistic and any other type of setting needed. Offered in COLUMBUS • NW OHIO • PORTSMOUTH
OYO Camp
This Camp has been created and designed specifically for kids with hearing loss in mind; so all communication at camp will be geared towards each camper’s level of communication. OYO Camp provides a communication barrier-free, overnight camp experience that empowers each camper. ASL will be used throughout camp, as well as other forms of visual and oral communication. Each and every camper’s communication style is valued which results in the kids thriving in a safe, nurturing and fun atmosphere of friendship! Geared for Deaf and Hard of Hearing kids age 7 through high school, OYO Camp is a unique camp experience they will never forget. Visit Camp OYO website
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Program

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is making available Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students with disabilities beginning at age 14. These are introductory services and are intended to help students with disabilities get an early start in identifying career interests. Pre-Employment Transition Services are for students with disabilities who need these services and have been determined eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services or are potentially eligible but have not applied for VR services. OOD partners with DSC to provide services to these students. Offered in COLUMBUS • NW OHIO

Advocacy, Case Management & Peer Support
Advocacy services are designed to assist Deaf and hard of hearing people in 36 counties throughout central, northwest, and southeast Ohio become full participating members of the community. Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees work toward empowering other Deaf and hard-of-hearing people to overcome communication barriers and access community resources. DSC employees act as a catalyst in the development of consumers’ problem-solving skills, independent living abilities and self-advocacy skills. Offered in COLUMBUS • NW OHIO • PORTSMOUTH
ADA Education & Deaf Awareness Presentations
The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) is not a choice; it’s the law.  DSC supports full inclusion for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing in all community activities and advocates on their behalf. Assistance is offered to individuals to help them understand their rights, as well as to companies and organizations to understand their obligations. DSC’s employees are available to present on a variety of topics, including ADA, American Sign Language, Deaf culture and interpreting. Offered in COLUMBUS • NW OHIO • PORTSMOUTH
UBI Duo
In partnership with sComm, DSC will work with individuals who qualify through Medicare or private insurance to provide durable medical equipment that will assist with one-on-one communication for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or non-verbal people. Offered in COLUMBUS • NW OHIO • PORTSMOUTH
ASL Classes

We have been providing ASL classes to the community since 2009. Our classes are affordable and open to anyone in the community who wants to learn. American Sign Language classes are provided to help hearing people converse with neighbors and family members, and to give those who become deaf later in life another mode to communicate. Most of our classes are offered in the evenings for 10 or 12 weeks. We do offer limited daytime classes depending on demand. Classes are offered on a quarterly basis starting in January, April, June and September.

Corporate classes are also available. They can be held at your place of choice and can have an added focus of words commonly used in your industry. Please contact us for more information!

Register for Classes

Relay Ohio/CapTel

Relay Ohio/CapTel is Relay 711 – a free statewide public service for communication between standard (voice) users and persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, and speech-disabled using text telephones (TTYs) or adaptive equipment.  Relay Ohio trainers, in partnership with Sprint Relay, provide trainings and demonstrations throughout Ohio to all 88 counties. For more information check out www.ohiorelay.com.

Interpreter Mentoring & Workshops

DSC offers mentoring to give support for those who are new to interpreting or are out of practice. A new interpreter (mentees) is placed on an assignment of their own and are accompanied by an experienced interpreter (mentor) for back-up support. This is not a paid program when you go on-site, but can be scheduled by request.

For more information on the mentoring program, please contact vickiew@dsc.org

Offered in COLUMBUS • NW OHIO • PORTSMOUTH