This is another example of philanthropy reaching into corners of unserved needs that might not otherwise be noticed.

Hearing loss and hearing aids are so common that many believe the problem has been solved. Yet in recent years deafness and severe hearing impairment have been brought to our attention by such things as American Sign Language (ASL) presentations accompanying major political speeches on television.

Deafness by itself is bad enough -- what about children born deaf (90% of them to hearing parents, most of whom had never met a person who was born deaf), or deaf immigrants who must now learn to communicate in English, and who may be illiterate in their native language? Or simply the deaf who are also poor, unemployed, having to manage other major disabilities? When deafness happens to needy people, huge problems are hugely compounded, and specialized technical help is required. Enter Philanthropy.

D.E.A.F. (Developmental Evaluation and Adjustment Facilities) was founded in 1977, as Massachusetts' first and only community-based agency run by and for people who are deaf or severely hard-of-hearing, D.E.A.F.'s mission is to enable these people to lead independent and productive lives. It is the only agency in Massachusetts offering combined ASL-ESL training.

D.E.A.F. provides advocacy, peer support, self-help skills, job coaches, access to special equipment, multi-lingual outreach and literacy classes, and special programs for families with deaf children. D.E.A.F. needs to grow, and you can help.