71-4-2107 - Community service centers for deaf and hard of hearing persons Purposes. - Tennessee Statutes

71-4-2107. Community service centers for deaf and hard of hearing persons Purposes.

The purposes of community service centers for the deaf and hard of hearing shall be to:

     (1)  Inform deaf and hard of hearing persons and their families of their rights to services offered locally and to coordinate their referral to the appropriate organization;

     (2)  Coordinate communication between deaf and hard of hearing persons and the desired agency or organization, and promote the accessibility of community services to deaf and hard of hearing persons;

     (3)  Coordinate the provision of interpreting services to deaf and hard of hearing persons in community colleges and technical institutes;

     (4)  Promote expanded adult educational opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing persons in community colleges and technical institutes;

     (5)  Coordinate the provision of instruction in sign language to persons in community agencies;

     (6)  Inform interested staff of community and professional organizations about the nature of deafness and the capabilities of deaf and hard of hearing persons;

     (7)  Provide services as outlined by this part to employers of deaf and hard of hearing persons and related members of the family that may be involved;

     (8)  Provide the specified services to the deaf and hard of hearing persons qualified under this part without cost;

     (9)  Serve as an advocate for the rights and needs of the deaf and hard of hearing; and

     (10)  Help deaf and hard of hearing citizens to become self-sufficient in meeting their needs in the community.

[Acts 1978, ch. 889, § 7; T.C.A., §§ 14-2507, 14-18-107; Acts 2001, ch. 174, § 18.]