About CDDC
Help the Deaf Center Help You!
The first Deaf Center in the Capital District area, perhaps even the first
in the State of New York is symbolic of what the Capital District Deaf
Center, Inc. (CDDC) has meant to the deaf, hearing impaired and
persons who are interested in deafness. It means the opportunity to
participate in a total deaf community experience. Founded by a group
of deaf individuals with Father Michael D. Clemente in 1975, the Center
has become the hub of deaf community activities. It is a place for
educational, emotional, social and recreational affairs for all ages who
are working toward improving the quality of life for deaf people.
Since 1975, the members of CDDC have worked hard with programs,
activities, and services. The have moved location to location until, in
1978, the Deaf Center was able to successfully invest the impressive
Old Niskayuna School building. This building was intended to serve the
deaf community of the Capital District as their Deaf Center. All of this
was based on voluntary action supported by a dedicated membership
and by other interested in the goals of CDDC. Membership includes
deaf, hearing impaired, parents of deaf children, professionals, students
and other concerned individuals.
A new Volunteer program as been established at the Deaf Center,
although there is a continued need to hire additional professional and
clerical staff to assist in the everyday functions of CDDC. The Volunteer
program is widely varied in serving the deaf community. The objective
of this program is to increase better communication and awareness of
deafness among the deaf and hearing communities, in order to break
the "silent" barrier.
GOALS OF THE DEAF CENTER HELPING YOU AND THE DEAF
COMMUNITY
Following the original concept of Deaf Center, there is a continued
need to improve our services to the deaf, as well as hearing persons
who are interested in deafness. The services which are significant
priorities make up core component of CDDC's expanding programs as
indicated below;
1.) Sign Language Programs
2.) Public Education in Deafness
3.) Continued Adult Education Courses
4.) Sign Language Interpreters
5.) Volunteer Program
6.) Advocacy Commitments
At the present time, such programs that serve the deaf community
must improve with the quality of funding support for CDDC facility.
Otherwise it will seriously hamper the Deaf Center outreach efforts.
Contributions in the form of sponsor bequest are vigorously being
sought. The names of all donors will be remembered. Those generous
donations of more than 100 dollars will be permanently engraved on a
plaque and displayed in the building in a lasting tribute to those where
major support has helped preserve the Deaf Center as a developing
organization and in recognizing both its changing and growing needs.
For its memories, the Deaf Center has special place in the hearts of
members and friends of the deaf community. Through the preservation
and development of the Deaf Center, we can guarantee memories for
future generations.