Page 98 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2018

GIVING BACK sign of the times Making a Difference
for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Residents
story and photo courtesy of de l’Epee Deaf Center
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to an advocacy nonprofit that’s passionate about providing services and activities for those who have a visual language. The de l’Epee Deaf Center is a ministry of
the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi and provides American Sign Language interpreting services and dissemination of information as their
highest priority. During its 40 years on the Coast, the Deaf Center has endeavored to make the general community aware of deaf persons’ presence, culture, language, and rights under various state and federal laws.
Greg Crapo, director, has worked tirelessly to promote services and build a team suited to satisfying the numerous tasks and contractual obligations.
“The Deaf Center has been recognized by the Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities for its outstanding work promoting social, economic, and spiritual improvement,” he
said. “As a recipient
of a torchbearer
award, our constant
endeavors to provide
visual access in a
hearing world has
been recognized and
applauded. All staff
members agree that it’s
an honor and a privilege to
serve the deaf and hard of
hearing community.”
Jill Hagler, assistant director, promotes client independence by scheduling staff and freelance interpreters in medical, legal, education, and other settings.
As the youth programs coordinator, Samantha Sovell plans camps and regular activities for deaf and hard of hearing youth, children of deaf adults,
and siblings of deaf children. “We provide access to religious
programs offered by the Diocese,”
said Religious Director Lauren Gilbert. “Community Outreach Coordinator Sarah Francis builds bridges between
the hearing and deaf communities by providing accommodation
information, contract assistance, and general community outreach.
Billy Morgan ensures that the facility is conducive to all
these activities. Together, they have logged over
10,000 hours this year alone.”
Crapo added, “We encourage everyone to get
involved in reaching out to the community by taking sign language classes, donating to the food pantry and holiday baskets, or promoting and supporting access to interpreters and closed captioning. Make a difference that others can see.”
Volunteers Keeah McKlveen and Donna Disalvo teach American Sign Language classes in six-week increments every spring, summer, and fall.
Greg Crapo, Debbie Hollingsworth, Crystal Hagler, Jill Hagler, Sarah and Wayne Francis.
De l’Epee Deaf Center
1450 North Street, Gulfport 228.897.2280 www.deafms.com
98 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2018
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