Tulsa Organization Expands To Better Serve Deaf, Hard Of Hearing Community

A Tulsa nonprofit is joining forces with another organization to help serve the deaf and hard of hearing community.

'The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges' is taking over for 'Total Source for Hearing Loss and Access.'

Leaders said the goal is to better serve the deaf and hard of hearing community by providing a more welcoming place and services that best meet their needs.

Executive Director of The Center, Wendi Fralick, said they weren't serving that community as best as they could because they didn't have the right providers.

“Now, if someone comes in there, we have Front Desk staff that communicate with them. And then we have the program staff that we can call to do deeper dives into finding out what their needs are and how we can help them. So, it’s provided just a better experience for the deaf community to come in and receive services," Fralick said.

She said the Tulsa Area United Way asked The Center to step in and assist TSHA, which was struggling to stay afloat.

As a result, The Center established a revitalized department with eight staff members who know American Sign Language and can help meet anyone's needs.

“We offer one-on-one support. So, if you are someone who is deaf and just need some assistance with a variety of things it could be daily living skills, finances, or even legal matters, we provide those individuals with that one-on-one service. So, with all that we are able to offer we are just much better equipped to serve this community," Fralick said.

The Center now has an interpreter and deaf services as well as community resources. CLICK HERE for more information.