A Tradition of Excellence

Deaf Community Advocacy Network – DEAF C.A.N.! is a non-profit Organization established in 1981 to provide services to the thousands of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people living in our area. DEAF C.A.N.! offers direct client services to individuals and families, as well as community education and information for professional groups. DEAF C.A.N.! provides a full array of services to the Deaf & Hard of Hearing communities in southeastern Michigan. DEAF C.A.N.! is partially supported by generous donations from individuals, community organizations, corporations and foundations.

Mission

Linking Deaf and Hard of Hearing people with the community through communication, advocacy, leadership and socialization.

What We Offer

Brochures

Advocacy

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing people the sign advocacy gives the connotation of something strong and powerful. We strive to teach clients problem solving techniques and how to advocate for themselves.

Hard of Hearing Support Services

Working closely with the Hearing Loss Association of Michigan, we provide resource information on hearing loss issues, perform resident and workplace assessments for individuals with hearing loss and provide hearing assistance technology demonstrations.

The Deaf HIV Program

Casework/Case management services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people infected or affected with HIV.

Direct Service

Casework/Case management for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people through the removal of barriers to service. Approximately 100 Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals a month come into the DEAF C.A.N.! office to receive assistance on a variety of issues and concerns. DEAF C.A.N.! is the only agency in Oakland county where a Deaf individual can receive casework assistance from full-time staff fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Here, clients can discuss any matter in their native language. Examples of direct service include help with completing a welfare form, figuring out a budget, or obtaining low-income housing.

Programs and Workshops

Relevant workshops on a variety of topics including health that is of interest to the community.

iCanConnect - National Program for Deafblind People

CanConnect provides equipment and training to people with significant combined hearing and vision loss so they can stay connected.  To learn more about the program's income and guidelines (vision and hearing) contact DEAF C.A.N.!  DEAF C.A.N.!, along with CAC are national partners:

Interpreter Referral and Interpreting Services

DEAF C.A.N.! contracts with over 50 state or nationally certified Interpreters. An Interpreter is one of the ways a Deaf individual can effectively communicate with a hearing person. Our Interpreters work in the courtroom, schools, on the job, in training seminars, and in doctor's offices and hospitals just to name a few.

Deaf HEAL & Shield

Our programs provide support to individuals in need of information so they don't have to navigate the complex medical and legal systems alone. For additional information contact.

Partners Advocating for Healing (PAH!)

Individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing can face unique barriers and challenges when seeking support services for domestic violence and sexual assault.

Communication obstacles, lack of cultural awareness, limited access to tailored services, and additional accessibility barriers such as lack of interpreting services or specialized technology can compound difficulties for this population when seeking support.​

The PAH program works with community partners to offer culturally appropriate services that addresses these barriers to seeking services.