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Information & Referral
The goal of GACHI's Information and Referral (I&R) Program is to provide individuals with details about services, activities, events and social functions appropriate to their needs. Each GACHI office is staffed with an I&R specialist who is specially trained to accommodate those seeking assistance for themselves or for a loved one with hearing loss.
What type of information can individuals request?
Our I&R specialists are specially trained to handle almost any information request. If the I&R specialist cannot provide an individual with immediate assistance, the specialist will take down his or her contact information, research the issue at hand and call him or her back as soon as possible. Some of the requests we frequently handle are:
• Finding qualified sign language interpreters
• Where to purchase hearing aids
• Proper telecommunications equipment use
• Locating educational programs for deaf or hard-of-hearing
children
• Referrals to various state agencies and programs, such as
Georgia Relay and the Vocational Rehabilitation Program
• How to apply for housing, food and healthcare assistance
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Information about upcoming events and workshops sponsored by GACHI or other organizations
Can I contact an I&R specialist on behalf
of a friend who is deaf?
Absolutely! We receive many calls from friends and family
members of Georgians who are deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened or deaf-blind. Our I&R specialists are more than happy to answer your questions and suggest useful resources for your loved one.
Can I&R specialists help businesses locate
and hire interpreters?
Yes! We have an extensive list of reputable, reliable agencies that can provide an interpreter at your next business meeting or event. We can also suggest qualified freelance interpreters.
Is there a fee involved?
I&R assistance is provided free of charge.
Where are callers typically referred?
Some of the organizations to which we commonly refer callers include:
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The Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (GATEDP)
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HearNow (provides hearing aids to low-income individuals)
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Lions Lighthouse Foundation (offers vision and hearing care to those in need)
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Senior Ears (an educational program for seniors with hearing loss)
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The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Program
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