ASL Advocates: Bridging the Communications Gap

We’ve all been frustratedby a communications gap at one time or another. Just think of the last time you’ve struggled getting your point across to a customer service representative over the phone . . . or possibly when you were talking to your teenage daughter or son. Now, imagine how much more difficult it would be if you were deaf.   

ASL Advocates, located in Euclid, understands the challenges that people who are deaf, deaf-blind, orhard of hearing encounter on a daily basis and they are always ready to step into bridge the communications gap. This non-profit group is less than two years old and the only advocacy group of its kind in Ohio. 

ASL Advocates offers awide range of programs and services, including Social Services, Mentoring, and Communications. Clients have engaged ASL Advocates for help with vacation reservations; to act as liaison between a mortgage company and a deaf client; for assistance with job applications; and as classroom interpreters.

Other services provided byASL Advocates include, Resource Library, Food Bank, English as a SecondLanguage Tutoring, Deaf & Blind Culture Classes and Sensitivity Training. ASL Advocates’ offers use of their videophone and other innovative technology in their office.

The organization is the realization of a long-standing dream for its founder, Heather Kendel, a lifelong resident of Euclid. Heather learned sign language at age 10 from an interpreter in her Naumann Avenue neighborhood. From that early experience, her interest and devotion to the deaf community took root, growing into her driving passion.

Heather has an Associates Degree of Applied Science in Deaf Interpretive Services from Cuyahoga CommunityCollege and was the Director for North Olmsted’s Deaf & Deaf-Blind Committee on Human Rights before founding ASL Advocates.  

“Right now, our biggest challenge is funding. Like many other non-profits, we are struggling to keep our doors open,” said Heather. “The economic downturn has not only hurt our clients, but has put a big dent in our funding resources.”   

People in need of services through ASL Advocates are encouraged to contact the organization using phone, email and text messages. For more information contact Heather Kendel, Director at (216) 240-2704.  For Video Phone call (216) 370-7713 or (866) 845-2120.Text messaging is available at (216) 240-2704.  Email:asladvocates@live.com  

ASL Advocates facilitates  effective and respectful communications between the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing with the Hearing Community while promoting independence, tolerance and human rights for all.