WORKING WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO PROMOTE INCLUSION AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEAF COMMUNITY

A message from Blessed Hands CEO Annebelle V. Duncan.

“I am the daughter of deaf parents – Delphine and Alfred Duncan. I have lifelong experience on what is required to service and accommodate a deaf person.

Delphine and Alfred had three children. They understood and endured the struggles deaf people face in a predominately hearing society. They learned that resources, services and opportunities were not always available and accessible to the community they were a part of.

Despite the many barriers they faced, Delphine and Alfred cherished their lives, their children and their Deaf culture. They knew that being deaf and/or hard of hearing or even deaf/blind is not a barrier, but a cultural identity. Throughout their lives, it naturally became who they were – a deaf married couple with three hearing children living in a predominately hearing world.

Despite the barriers and difficulties they faced, ultimately our family overcame all obstacles and accomplished all the goals and dreams Delphine and Alfred had for their family. Our foundation – the DAD Delphine Alfred Duncan Foundation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing – was founded in the name of my late deaf parents on behalf of the Deaf Community, they respected and cherished. Our services are designed to educate a hearing society while promoting  inclusion that will help the Deaf Community to grow and become independent and successful in their every day lives. Which is the purpose for the sign language interpreter.

We are interpreters of communication between the deaf consumer and the hearing business. Our presence to assist business is established by the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA. In essence, educating the hearing world on how to receive, service and accommodate anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing and deaf/blind, who may reach out to them for goods and services is what we do best! We provide the best service for the Deaf community.

Blessed Hands and DAD Foundation were founded on the principle and desire to see equal access and opportunities for all individuals and families who are a part of the Deaf Community. We understand the need to work together as a community. God didn’t call us to be separate. He called us to be one nation under Him.”

Annebelle V. Duncan, MA, RSST, EIPA
CEO of BHIS – Blessed Hands Interpreting Services