Deaf Counseling, Avocacy & Referral Agency (DCARA)is a non-profit, community-based social service agency serving the deaf community. Established in 1962 as one of the first deaf-run agencies in the country.
DCARA provides a comprehensive range of services to the deaf and hard-of-hearing people of the San Francisco Bay Area of California.
DCARA is governed by a deaf-majority board of directors, administered by a deaf majority, and staffed by a dedicated team of deaf and hearing people. Funding comes from the State of California's Department of Social Services, the United Way, and private donations.
DCARA's goal is to enable deaf and hard-of-hearing people to live independent, productive lives, with full access to the services and opportunities available to the hearing population. In order to accomplish this, we act as a link between the deaf and hearing communities, providing the hearing community with information about deafness and related issues, and providing the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities with access services and counseling.
DCARA works closely with other existing agencies, making their services more accessible to the deaf and hard-of-hearing population.
DCARA provides peer counselors who use the client's preferred mode of communication to teach independent living skills, provide information and emotional support, and help in time of crisis.
Coping skills, lip-reading, sign language, and career management are offered to people who have lost their hearing later in life and to their families.
Services for Latino families with deaf members include interpreting and educational support, social support, and information about deafness.
Counseling, workshops, social events, and field trips are some of the ways deaf seniors are served by this program.
Deaf Gay and Lesbian Center (DGLC), located in San Francisco, the center offers information, workshops, support groups, social events, and peer counseling.
Foreign-born deaf people can get help learning ASL, the rights of deaf people, and independent living skills.
Refers interpreter requests to interpreter service agencies and programs.
Workshops on a variety of topics ranging from employment and health to financial management and advocacy are provided to both the deaf and hearing communities.
The California Center for Law and the Deaf (CalCLAD) provides advocacy to protect and advance the legal rights of deaf people. Legal services for individuals include referrals for general legal problems as well as representation in cases of discrimination and special education.
DCARA works with EDD (Employment Development Department) to provide Employment Services in offices from Santa Rosa to San Jose (Campbell) help clients find jobs and employers find deaf workers. Clients receive assistance in finding job openings, resume composition, interview skills, and communication with employers.
Communication barriers in the deaf community can limit access to vital information. DCARA provides information and referral to community services to clients via a quarterly newsletter, telephone, bulletin boards, web page and in person. Information on deaf issues is also provided to hearing employers, family members, service providers, and other interested parties. This information includes such things as sign language classes, educational programs, and job openings. Appropriate referrals are made to existing community service agencies.
The Deaf Community Center is a meeting place for the Deaf community with a stage, bar, office, big-screen TV, and outdoor patio area. It is located near BART, with plenty of parking. Clubs, social groups, and committees may all use this facility.
DCARA Headquarters provides a Computer Training Lab with space for 8 students. 10-week classes as well as one-day workshops are offered several times a year.
Outreach Services:
San Jose Outreach
San Leandro Outreach
San Francisco Outreach
Outreach at Fremont Family Resources Center
Eureka Outreach Office
Santa Rosa Outreach
We also offer Advocacy:California Center for Law and the Deaf (CalCLAD)
