Deaf Independent Living Association, Inc. (DILA) provides a diverse array of communication resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, their family and friends, community members and sign language interpreters.  Many of the resources are available for free.

Communication Center (CapTel, TTY & Videophone)

DILA has a Communication Center which is equipped with leading-edge telecommunications equipment including a Captioned Telephone (CapTel™) and TTYs (text telephones).  The CapTel™ is ideal for people with some degree of hearing loss as it not only allows the user to listen to the caller, it also types the conversation in a display window for them to read.

The center also offers Video Relay Service (VRS), a technology that enables sign language users to converse in their native language with the person they are calling.  VRS allows users to express their emotions and feelings (similar to a person-to-person call) with the benefit of high speed internet connection. VRS also enables deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to have conversations with their family, friends or business associates through a certified ASL interpreter.  Individuals from the community are  welcome to use the videophone and Communication Center at no charge.

Deaf Resource Library

Open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., DILA’s Deaf Resource Library offers information materials and multimedia resources on deafness.  There are currently over 700 VHS/DVDs to view and over 150 books to read. These resources can be read or viewed on site at no charge or are available to be checked out on a two week loan. Materials are renewable as long as there are no reservation requests waiting to be filled. Topics of interest include:

• Basic American Sign Language Lessons
• Intermediate to Advanced ASL Lessons
• ASL Lesson with a focus on Infants and Toddlers
• Issues of Interest to Parents with Young Children
• ASL Lesson, Songs, Programs and Stories for Children
• Deaf Culture, History and Biographies
• Health and Safety Issues
• Sign Language Interpreting
• Poetry and Artistic ASL
• Classic Literature Translated in ASL
• Stories, Comedy and Drama
• Plus other many other topics

 Sign Lab/Interpreter Workstations

The Deaf Resource Library houses a Sign Lab equipped with a Tandberg Interpreter Workstation which comprises of video camera, VCR, DVD player, monitor and cassette recorder.  Visitors can watch an instructional  video or DVD in the Sign Lab or take them home to view for a two week period. Materials are   renewable as long as there are no reservation requests waiting to be filled. Sign language interpreters can visit DILA to utilize our Tandberg Interpreter Workstations Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.  These special workstations allow  interpreters to evaluate their receptive skills by recording their voice while they watch a signing video or evaluate their expressive skills when they sign while listening to a video.  The Tandberg has picture in picture capability so the interpreter has immediate feedback.