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Our Services
Advocacy, Resources, and Education Services (ARES) supports Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened adults 18 and up with a wide array of services tailored to each person’s service and communication needs.
Our Advocates and consumers work 1:1 to identify goals, establish a plan, and work together to achieve them. With information, resources, skills training, and guidance from ARES Advocates, consumers are empowered to make informed decisions, exercise autonomy, and effectively access other services in the community.
The DeafBlind Community Access Network (DBCAN) program is committed to promoting the inclusion of DeafBlind individuals within the community, providing support to enhance and maintain their autonomy. DBCAN extends its services to DeafBlind adults in Massachusetts.
Our ASL program is proudly Deaf-led, with all Deaf instructors with training, ensuring you receive an authentic and immersive experience rooted in the rich history and culture of the Deaf community.
Founded in 1977,
DEAF, Inc. is the only Massachusetts community-based, multi-service nonprofit run by and for Deaf (Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened) adults.
DEAF, Inc. inspires people to achieve personal and professional goals through accessible programs and services. We build bridges across communities by increasing communication access and awareness.
Our History
Founded
DEAF, Inc. is founded by the unified efforts of Massachusetts State Association of the Deaf (MSAD), National Association of the Deaf (NAD), and a committed group of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and hearing leaders.
First Office Building
A commercial building, 215 Brighton Avenue, Allston MA, is secured as the new home of DEAF, Inc. and is named the Frederick C. Schreiber Center, after the former Executive Director of the National Association of the Deaf.
Formation of Health Program
The Health Program of DEAF, Inc. first originally started in 1992 as a response to the AIDS/HIV crisis. The program was later named Project Hope and won funding from the Ryan White CARE Act. In later years, the services were absorbed into the Independent Living (IL) Program, now called Advocacy, Resources, and Education Services (ARES).
Office Relocation
DEAF, Inc. moves office locations for their Boston branch, closing their 45-year tenure at 215 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, and welcomes their new wheelchair accessible location, 50 Hunt Street, Watertown, MA.
Advancing Forward
DEAF, Inc. continues to grow with major accomplishments, such as a $2 million award from Yield Giving and Lever for Change, as well as a 3 year investment of $675,000 from The Boston Foundation.
Meet Our Team
DEAF, Inc. is one of the largest private employers of Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened people in Massachusetts. A peer-based organization, DEAF, Inc. is committed to hiring staff that reflects the community we serve.
Our Mission and Core Values
To fulfill our mission, we offer educational programs; health literacy, access and support services; independent living programs, information and referrals; advocacy; and accessibility services in a Deaf-affirmative environment.
Community
Resources
Find what you need in our library of resources and connections!
Strategic Plan and Annual Reports
Review our strategic plan and annual reports to learn more about our goals, achievements, and future initiatives.
Strategic PlanAnnual ReportOur Newsletter, Straight To Your Inbox!
We distribute newsletters which contain events and resources that can benefit our community. Sign up and receive reminders to our events!
