Deaf Youth Program
Deaf Youth Program: Empowering, Inclusive, Supportive, Educational, and Fun!
Empowering Deaf Youth: Enabling a Bright and Fulfilling Future for Your Child
Are you searching for a program that will empower your deaf child, unlocking their full potential and leading them to a bright future?
Our Deaf Youth Program is dedicated to supporting and empowering young individuals like your child on their journey to success.
Inclusive Environment, Celebrating Diversity
At our Deaf Youth Program, inclusivity lies at the heart of everything we do. We embrace diversity and provide a safe, welcoming space for all deaf youth to thrive. Our team of devoted professionals is committed to fostering an environment where your child's unique strengths and abilities are celebrated.
A Supportive Community that Cares
We invite your child to join our tight-knit community, where support and encouragement are abundant. Our experienced mentors and peers offer guidance and mentoring.
Excellence in Education
Education is the key to unlocking endless opportunities. Our Deaf Youth Program offers a wide range of educational resources and activities of daily living workshops tailored to your child's specific needs. From skill-building sessions to career development programs, we equip your child with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve their goals.
Fun-filled Adventures and Lasting Friendships
We firmly believe that learning and personal growth can be enjoyable too! Thus, we strike a perfect balance between education and recreation. Our program includes exciting outings, team-building activities, and engaging events that foster lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories.
Join Us Today for a World of Possibilities
Are you and your child ready to embark on an exciting journey of empowerment, inclusivity, support, education, and fun? Join our Deaf Youth Program and become part of a community that strongly believes in your child's potential and invests in their future.
Contact us now to learn more about our program and enroll your child. Together, let's create a world of possibilities where your child can thrive and flourish!
Contact us now to learn more and enroll in our program. Let's create a world of possibilities together!
Tim Decelles
- Meet Tim Decelles, Deaf Youth Program Coordinator
Greetings, and allow me to introduce myself. My name is Timothy Decelles, and I am the Deaf Youth Program Coordinator at the Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center of SWFL.
ABOUT TIM DECELLES
I'd like to share a bit about my background with you. Growing up in Massachusetts and Connecticut, I experienced a unique journey into the world of deafness. At the age of four, a fever triggered my hidden genetic condition, causing me to lose my hearing. Both of my parents are hard of hearing or deaf, and as a child, I was exposed to different communication methods, including Signed Exact English and American Sign Language. This exposure, coupled with my experiences, led me to embrace both the Deaf and Hearing worlds, allowing me to appreciate the diverse methods of communication within the Deaf community.
Having graduated from the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, CT, in 2003, I continued my educational journey at Gallaudet University, majoring in psychology with a focus on developmental psychology. During my college years, I worked multiple jobs, each contributing to my personal and professional growth.
At Gallaudet University's Personal Discovery Program, I gained valuable experience in leadership and teambuilding activities, which I later shared with others, helping them become better learners and leaders. Additionally, working at a local Barnes and Noble taught me the importance of varied learning methods and the power of books in shaping young minds.
After college, I returned home to teach sign language and introduce the deaf community to my newly diagnosed nephew. Subsequently, in Florida, I volunteered at local schools with deaf programs, further enhancing my understanding of the school system and the needs of deaf students.
Now, at the Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center, we are committed to providing valuable resources and services for the deaf community. If your child requires an interpreter for medical appointments or needs technology such as bed shaker alarms, fire alarms, or voice-to-text, we are here to assist. Moreover, we believe in empowering older children to gain independence and offer various programs to support their growth.
Our youth program will encompass a wide range of activities and independent living skills, including cooking, driver's education, and workshops on financial literacy and cyber protection. Additionally, we provide ASL family classes every Tuesday night, aiming to strengthen communication and family bonds through the beauty of American Sign Language.
Our Deaf Youth Program will focus on leadership, teambuilding, and self-advocacy, thus equipping your child with essential life skills. To further enrich their experiences, we organize field trips and social events, combining fun and socialization with educational opportunities.
My main goals for the youth program are:
- Fun: Ensuring an enjoyable and engaging experience for all participants.
- Identity: Nurturing a sense of identity and pride within the deaf community.
- Needs: Addressing the specific needs of each individual child.
- Discovery: Encouraging self-discovery and personal growth.
- Self-advocacy: Empowering your child to become their own advocate.
I encourage open communication and have included journals for both parents and children. Feel free to express any questions, concerns, or ideas, and I will respond in the journals accordingly.
Thank you for entrusting us with the opportunity to support your child's journey. Together, let's create an inclusive and empowering environment where they can thrive.
Open Caption Movie with DHHC Youth Program
Calling all Deaf youth ages 13+!
Join us at this private showing of an Open Caption Movie just for DHHC's Deaf Youth Program - Disney's Haunted Mansion at 2PM on August 12, 2023. Free for members of the Deaf Youth Program and their families/caregivers to attend - must preregister and have signed permission slip on file. Group will meet at 1:45 pm. and enter theatre together.
Open captions are burned into a video track, so they're permanently on screen and cannot be turned off. Closed captions are created on a separate track from the video, which means they can be toggled on or off. See less