Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

What Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services does

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) is a Michigan-based non-profit founded in 1995 (originally as 'Deaf Etc.') that serves as the largest community agency in West Michigan providing programs to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals. Headquartered at the Special Olympics Unified Sports and Inclusion Center in Grand Rapids with 98 employees, the organization operates across 27 counties and delivers ASL interpretation, hearing aid assistance, advocacy, sign-language education, DEI&A training, youth programming (Kids Kamp), and signature community events (Silent Weekend, Signing Santa, Deaf Awareness celebrations, Tuesday Group, FODHHS workshops).

The organization runs a diversified multi-stream revenue model rather than a single product line. Primary income is fee-for-service ASL interpretation referrals; secondary streams include grants (notably a $150,000 two-year Corewell Health Healthier Communities grant funding hearing aid expansion for low-income residents ages 0-59), individual donations, corporate sponsorships (Meijer, Sorenson, KoeleGodfrey, Grit Technologies, Hungerford Nichols, Kent District Library, MiABLE), program/event fees (Kids Kamp $90-$100/child; DeafBlind workshops $80-$90/ticket), and community fundraisers. The organization receives no federal funding and minimal state funding.

D&HHS's go-to-market is community-led: direct outreach, partnerships with healthcare providers (Rainbow Audiology, Catherine's Health Center, Corewell Health), schools (Michigan School for the Deaf, Lansing and Oakland Community College ITPs), and disability advocacy groups (Disability Advocates of Kent County, ABVI), combined with Facebook, email newsletter, and event-based engagement. Jennifer Kolhoff's role as the only EIPA test administrator in Michigan offering both the performance assessment and written exam — plus RID-CMP/ACET sponsor status — provides a regulated credentialing foothold. Leadership transitioned in January 2026 when Deb Atwood retired and Erica Chapin was named Interim Executive Director through Fall 2026 after the Board paused a national search.

Name

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Legal name

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Website

https://deafhhs.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is a Michigan-based non-profit that delivers ASL interpretation, hearing aid assistance, advocacy, and community programming to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals across 27 counties in West Michigan.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Support Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Note-Taking, Interpreting & Communication Access Services (EDALAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Deaf/Hard of Hearing & Vision Services (Audiology, Interpreting, Orientation & Mobility) (EDAJAKAI), Sign Language Learning Programs (ASL/BSL, etc.) (EDAMAFAM), Hearing Impairment & Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Inclusive Childcare (HSAAAIAJ)

Keywords

• Sign language interpretation
• Deaf community services
• Hearing aid assistance
• Disability advocacy
• ASL education

Headquarters

HQ city

Grand Rapids

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Fee for Services: Primary revenue from interpreter referral services and other fee-for-service programs. The organization serves 27 counties and is the largest non-profit agency in West Michigan offering services to the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities.
2. Grants: Received $150,000 grant from Corewell Health's Healthier Communities initiative to expand hearing aid assistance program for low-income Kent County residents ages 0-59. Grant funding supports specific programs and community initiatives.
3. Donations and Sponsorships: Community fundraising, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations support youth programs and general operations. The organization receives minimal state funding and no federal funding.
4. Program Fees: Kids Kamp registration fees ($90 early bird per child, $75 for each additional child; $100/$85 after July 20). Workshop fees such as the DeafBlind training workshop at $80/ticket.
5. Fundraising Events: Ticket sales for partnered events (e.g., Griffins hockey games) with portions of proceeds benefiting D&HHS programming. Community fundraisers like Coffee and Cocktails events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) is a nonprofit agency delivering ASL interpretation referral, hearing aid financial assistance, advocacy, and community programming to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals across 27 counties in West Michigan. Its portfolio spans interpreter services, hearing assistive technology support, ASL classes, DEI&A training for businesses, youth summer programming, and recurring community events such as Silent Weekend and Signing Santa.

Product overview

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) is a non-profit service organization offering a portfolio of programs and services rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include ASL Interpreter Services and Hearing Assistive Technology (hearing aid assistance program) as primary service lines, supplemented by educational programs (ASL Classes, DEI&A Training), youth programming (Kids Kamp), community events (Silent Weekend, Signing Santa, Tuesday Group, FODHHS Workshops), and individual advocacy services. These programs collectively serve Kent County and 26 surrounding counties in West Michigan, focusing on providing equal communication access, education, and advocacy to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ASL Interpreter Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Serving 27 counties in West Michigan - expanded from original 2 counties (Kent and Ottawa)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025DAKC co-sponsored the 2025 Deaf Awareness Celebration. Both organizations serve disability communities and share advocacy missions. DAKC has worked with D&HHS on various community events and initiatives.
• Equest Center for Therapeutic RidingsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025D&HHS Tuesday Group visited the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding. The center has a D&HHS program with tailored activities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing participants, including sign language labels throughout the barn and visual timers.
• MeijersupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Meijer is a community sponsor of D&HHS events and programs. Logo appears on supporter list. Meijer has sponsored events including Signing Santa and Deaf Awareness celebrations.
• SorensonsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Sorenson (Communication Services) is listed as a community supporter/sponsor. Provider of ASL interpretation and captioning services in the accessibility space.
• Kent District Library (KDL)supportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Kent District Library is listed as a community supporter. D&HHS previously partnered on ASL Storytimes at KDL Cascade Township Branch to provide accessible programming.
• Hungerford Nichols CPA + AdvisorssupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Hungerford Nichols is a sponsor of D&HHS events and programs. Part-time manager Megan Howe (Deaf, with cochlear implants) serves on D&HHS board as treasurer.
• Grit TechnologiessupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Grit Technologies is listed as a community supporter/sponsor of D&HHS programs including Kids Kamp.
• MiABLEsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024MiABLE (Michigan Association for Balance and Assistive Devices) appears on supporter list. Organization serving mobility and assistive device users.
• Quota Club of Grand RapidssupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Quota Club of Grand Rapids has supported Kids Kamp for nearly two decades, creating craft kits and volunteering. Sponsored Signing Santa events.
• West Oakview Elementary SchoolsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Kids Kamp 2024 and 2026 held at West Oakview Elementary School. Partnership provides accessible venue for youth programming.
• Rockford Equest CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Rockford Equest Center partners with D&HHS for Kids Kamp field trips and Tuesday Group visits. The center provides accessible equestrian experiences with ASL-friendly programming including sign language labels and visual timers.
• Grand Rapids GriffinscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL hockey team) partnered with D&HHS for Hockey Without Barriers game with ASL interpretation on big screen. D&HHS sells tickets to home games with portion of proceeds benefiting programming. Partnership includes sensory-friendly game accommodations.
• Blandford Nature CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Blandford Nature Center partnered with D&HHS for ASL-interpreted Sugarbush Tour. First time Blandford provided ASL services at their 54th annual maple syrup celebration. Partnership aims to make outdoor programming accessible.
• Rainbow AudiologysupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Rainbow Audiology (Dr. Cara Kreisman) refers patients to D&HHS hearing aid assistance program. Partnership connects low-income patients who need hearing aids with the Corewell Health grant-funded program.
• Special Olympics of MichigancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024D&HHS is headquartered in the Special Olympics Unified Sports and Inclusion Center at 160 68th St SW. Partnership provides shared facility and opportunities for collaboration on inclusive programming.
• Michigan Department of Civil Rights - Division on Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of HearingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Erica Chapin appointed to Advisory Council to the Division on Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing for the State of Michigan. Kenya Lowe named Director of the Division in January 2025 and attended Silent Weekend 2025. D&HHS works with Division on policy advocacy.
• YMCA Camp Manitou-LinsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Silent Weekend held annually at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville, MI. The camp provides immersive environment for ASL-focused weekend conference with overnight accommodations.
• Meijer GardenssupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Meijer Gardens partnered with D&HHS for butterfly exhibition accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing visitors. Partnership brought large crowds to accessible cultural programming.
• The Book Nook and Java ShopsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024The Book Nook and Java Shop in Montague hosted Coffee and Cocktails fundraiser benefiting D&HHS Youth Programs. Owners have a Deaf daughter and have been connected to D&HHS for over two years.
• Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023ABVI and D&HHS have an expanding partnership to serve DeafBlind individuals. Joint workshop on serving DeafBlind patients in medical settings. Both organizations serve sensory loss communities and learn from each other's expertise.
• Catherine's Health CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Catherine's Health Center received DEI&A training from D&HHS at four locations to help staff better serve Deaf patients. D&HHS conducted hour-long presentations on ADA accommodations, interpreter scheduling, and Deaf culture.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA): National advocacy and support organization for people with hearing loss. Comparable to D&HHS's advocacy, education, and community programming for Hard of Hearing individuals, though operating nationally rather than regionally.
• Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI): West Michigan non-profit serving people with vision loss; strategic partner of D&HHS for DeafBlind services. Directly comparable as a regional sensory-disability non-profit with overlapping advocacy and community programming missions.
• Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC): Local Kent County disability advocacy non-profit; co-sponsor of D&HHS's 2025 Deaf Awareness Celebration. Directly comparable as a regional disability advocacy and community programming peer in the same geographic market.
• Center for Hearing and Communication: Non-profit providing hearing health, communication access, and advocacy services. Comparable service mix (hearing assistance, communication access, education) to D&HHS but based in Florida/New York rather than the Midwest.

Regional players

• Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults: National non-profit providing services for DeafBlind individuals. Comparable to D&HHS's DeafBlind programming and partnership work with ABVI, but operates regionally outside the Midwest.
• Michigan Division on Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing: State agency within Michigan Department of Civil Rights addressing advocacy and policy for D/DDB/HH communities. Comparable mission to D&HHS's advocacy line and a direct policy counterpart; D&HHS staff serve on its Advisory Council.

Broad incumbents

• Sorenson Communications: National leader in video relay services (VRS), ASL interpretation, and captioning. Directly comparable to D&HHS's interpreter referral services but operates at vastly greater scale across the U.S.; also a current community sponsor of D&HHS.
• National Association of the Deaf (NAD): National civil rights advocacy organization for Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. Comparable in advocacy mission and policy engagement but operates at federal level; complements D&HHS's state-level policy work.
• Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD): National non-profit providing interpreting, advocacy, and Deaf community programs. Comparable in mission and service mix to D&HHS but operates across multiple states with significantly larger scope.

Others

• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID): National professional association for ASL interpreters. Comparable in interpreter credentialing and CEU oversight; D&HHS is an approved RID-CMP/ACET sponsor, making RID both an ecosystem enabler and a peer in interpreter professional development.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/deafhhs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/deaf-hard-of-hearing-services

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services