DAC Expands into Northeast Texas

DAC Expands into Northeast Texas

I am Deaf Action Center.
 
"Community collaboration is the key to improving the quality of life for the deaf and hard of hearing."
 
Deaf Action Center is excited to announce the addition of Melissa Bell, Deafness Resource Specialist* to the DAC family. 
 
Serving 23 counties in Northeast Texas, Melissa is based in Tyler.
 
"I attended Crowley High School south of Ft Worth. Several deaf students attended as well, and I became fascinated with ASL so decided to take it as my second language.  I enjoyed spending time with my deaf friends and joined the ASL Club.  After high school I entered college with the desire to get a degree in the human services field.  I wanted to serve others. Becoming the Deafness Resource Specialist has brought together my two great passions: serving others and working with the deaf community."
 
Melissa's day is spent advocating for communication access for the deaf and hard of hearing in her area.  This includes educating, empowering and assisting consumers in filing complaints and pursuing legal action when necessary.  She also works with entities to make their services accessible through training and support.
 
"When talking to most people about the population we serve, their first thought is, "How will we be able to understand each other?"  The communication barrier is the first thing that comes to mind.  That's easy! Think of all the technology, communication access services, and creative ways there are to overcome a communication barrier.  It's the mindset that has been the greatest challenge for me as a Deafness Resource Specialist, an 'attitudinal barrier.' Deafness Resource Specialists promote equal access and equal opportunity by encouraging employers, entities, and the general public to have a "can do" attitude and create ways to overcome barriers."

It is Melissa's belief that the community is stronger through collaborations with other community partners, consumers, and entities working to improve the quality of life for the deaf and hard of hearing.  

 "I feel privileged to be involved in seeing positive, systemic change come to Northeast Texas regarding communication access for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing."

I am Melissa Bell and I am Deaf Action Center. 

*The Deafness Resource Specialist Program is funded by the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services – Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DARS – DHHS)
  
*The Deafness Resource Specialist Program is funded by the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services – Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DARS – DHHS)

Northeast Texas Service Area Melissa covers a 23 county service area:
Anderson, Cherokee, Rusk, Panola, Henderson, Smith, Van Zandt, Gregg, Marion, Harrison, Upshur, Wood, Raines, Hopkins, Camp, Franklin, Titus, Morris, Cass, Lamar, Red River, Bowie, Delta

[email protected] 
903-705-7024 VP
903-534-1222 Voice/TTY 
888-313-7851 (Voice/TTY) 

To learn more about Deaf Action Center, please go to http://www.dactexas.org/