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Alternative Literacy Support

Alt-LS Overview

MDMC provides Alternative Literacy Support (Alt-LS) in a variety of settings, including educational and work settings, which gives clients explicit access to written English. Alt-LS is a program that provides explicit access to written English for those who are not fluent in the language. Many Deaf, DeafPlus, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DDPDBHH) individuals struggle with reading comprehension because it is nearly impossible to learn a language that you cannot hear. Unfortunately, individuals who are DDPDBHH need ASL from birth to develop good reading comprehension skills. However, our education system and society deprive DDPDBHH children of using ASL early on and force them to try to learn reading through other means, like using their “residual hearing” and speech therapy. This causes them to lack crucial literacy skills and often results in reading levels that do not go beyond elementary school.

MDMC provides Alternative Literacy Support
MDMC’S Response
MDMC’s Alt-LS program gives Deaf, DeafPlus, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals the ability to understand a variety of texts beyond their reading levels in their own language, ASL. Through MDMC’s Alt-LS program, individuals now have access to driver’s education, college coursework, job applications, resume development, and the ability to understand and complete forms required for housing, food stamps, immigration services, etc. Often, our clients also report experiencing injustice. When this happens, we at MDMC help them advocate to change the systems that perpetuate these injustices. This is done by providing DDPDBHH individuals with information about their options for addressing the issues, helping them present and express their views and wishes to others, and assisting them in understanding and defending their rights. As active members of the community, MDMC shows support, in person, throughout the advocacy process, as needed, from the beginning of reporting the injustice to finding a solution they are satisfied with.

MDMC Member Service Request Form

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