About Us

Our Mission

To empower Southwest Florida's deaf and hard of hearing citizens and their families through education, advocacy, and community involvement.

Our Beginning

Founded in 1983 as the Speech and Hearing Association with the mission to “benefit communication-disabled people and to educate the community regarding their needs.” 


In January 2018 we changed our name to Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center. 


Over the years, the mission was revised and the focus became: “offer programs and services to improve the quality of life for Deaf and Hard of Hearing citizens of Southwest Florida.”  Our current mission statement demonstrates a clearer commitment to the residents of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades and DeSoto counties. 

Services We Provide

We provide a wide range of services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and adults.  We also support their families, friends, neighbors, employers and co-workers.  

Our services include:  

  • Sign Language Interpreting Services
  • Free Telephone Equipment Loan Program
  • Deaf Mentor/Shared Reading Program  
  • Sign Language Classes
  • EIPA Testing 
  • Information and Referral Services
  • Outreach Presentations
  • Employment Assistance
  • Family Education
  • Adaptive Equipment Sales 
  • Volunteer Opportunities