Socialization: Missing

Do you have any news you want to share with us coming from your area? Email me at vanscheppach@gmail.com.

Here is an example of DSA Deaf Senior ASL Connection Networking via Blogspot:

We recognize Travis County for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for their effort to do something. Here is a copy of the Metro Austin Senior Citizens (TADSC) meeting at TCDHH building on Monday, May 6, 2019. Compliment of Susan Sien.

Metro Austin Senior Citizens (TADSC) committee meeting at TCDHH building / Monday, May 6, 2019

Attended: Walt Camenisch, Ann Horn, Rosemary McGaugh, Alicia Pena, Melinni Taylor, Susan Sien

•    Clarification of TCDHH Services – (Travis County for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing).  Susan Sien asked if a resident of La Vista could use TCDHH services even though they live in San Marcos.  Alicia responded, yes. They can only if they can come to their office in Austin.  A CARTS* (bus or van) can arrange for them to go to TCDHH offices.

             * CARTS (Capital Area Rural Transportation) www.ridecarts.com

•    Melinni Taylor who just joined TCDHH explained her role as outreach and will work on setting up workshops and gather resources needed for senior citizens.

•    Rosemary brought up information about Medical Alert.  This company is very willing to work with the deaf.  Life Alerts has a GPS that would help them finding your location. One does not need a phone to alert them.  There are several procedures, but it will present in one of our future workshops. 

We will explore options especially using our VRS as an emergency resource.

•    We discussed what the difference between Medicare and Medicaid is.  

We hope to have a workshop and how we can help people when filling out pages after pages application involving hospital or medical bills.

•    We discussed Caregivers.  A few months ago, Walt and Susan met with Nikki Soukup, CSD Community Liaison asking for resources or for them to set up regional workshop and training for qualified caregivers.  They need to be certified.  We will contact the Aging agency where they provide workshops or trainings.  Explore the option to work with them to provide a sign language interpreter. More information will come as we gather better options and get feedback from members.

•    There is a unique need for assistive/memory loss facility for the deaf.  Frustrations were expressed among our community members when their deaf loved one has to move to an assistive/ memory loss facility with no services geared for the deaf.  Some have been living in assisted homes but located in different parts of Austin.  We need to explore if we can put them together in one central location where they can afford it.   Walt and Ann mentioned that the AFED board at La Vista are still dreaming of building a memory loss wing at La Vista sprawling property.   

•    There will be a workshop on Thursday, May 23 at 1:30pm to 3:30pm on Last Will, Power of Attorney, and Power of Medical Attorney. We strongly encourage Austin seniors to attend this workshop at the Austin Deaf Club.

More to come soon.  If you want to share ideas, contact Melinna Taylor at

 Melinni.Taylor@traviscountytx.gov

Be blessed!