Sheffield's unique advice service for Deaf people, all workers use British Sign Language
The organisation provides a free, impartial and confidential welfare rights service for the Deaf and hearing impaired community and their families. Advice, information and advocacy support is offered in sign language by way of 2 drop in sessions per week, home visits, appointments, telephone, fax, and email. DASS is Deaf led and promotes Deaf awareness and Equality. We also have a consultancy role which is widely used by various different services and agencies.
Why the community needs usDASS is the link between Deaf people and society which has many barriers for the community. We are run by Deaf people and remain the only service of its kind in the country. We empower service users and give them a voice which Deaf people do not have as they are often described as having an invisible disability. We advise and act on behalf of service users on a wide variety of issues, including welfare benefits, debt, employment, discrimination and relationship issues. We all sign !!!
Our impact on the communityLast year we advised on over 2,000 issues. Most cases involve complex and ongoing work with some service users contacting the centre weekly. We maximise peoples incomes by identifying what benefits they are entitled too and assisting with the confusing claim process. We alleviate debt problems, advocate between Deaf employees and their employers. We are the first contact point for people who are near or in crisis.
