Voices for Independence

You can depend on Voices for Independence to facilitate or provide, general assistance, life skills training, and employment services designed to enhance life circumstances.

DEAF PRIDE is an advocacy group of Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers who want to make a difference in the service delivery of interpreter services for doctor offices, lawyer office and other places. If you would like more information, please call, write or email VFI.

General Information & Help:

• What other services or agencies are available to you?
• How do you access them?
• What are your rights?

VFI is prepared to answer these and hundreds of other questions regarding other agencies and services. You’ll receive help to decide what services are needed and how to use them. VFI is also your resource for full understanding of your legal and civil rights.

Life Skills Training:

• How can you find and use an interpreter?
• How can you learn to manage money and pay bills?
• How do you find a place to live?VFI will teach you what you need to know to live independently or how to solve problems living with others. You can depend on VFI for training in skills you will use the rest of your life.

Employment Services:

• How do you write a resume?
• Where and how do you look for a job?

VFI is prepared to help you in all ways of your search for employment. This will include such things as interview training, help filling out applications etc. VFI works with Careerlink and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation or OVR.The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at Voices for Independence is funded primarily through a Title XX Adult Services contract between VFI and the County of Erie Dept. of Human Services and a small grant from the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration.

Hearing persons who wish to contact the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services may dial PA relay 711 and inform the Communications Assistant (CA) the telephone number that you wish to call. As the call is being relayed, talk as though you are speaking directly to the person you are calling. On a relay call only one person can speak at a time. Say “Go Ahead” at the end of your response to let the other person know it is his/her turn to respond.