The Community Outreach Program for the Deaf (COPD) was established in 1973 as a result of grassroots efforts made by Deaf individuals. Our Founder’s envisioned a place where Deaf persons and persons with a hearing loss could go when life’s difficulties were encountered and where communication was never the issue. COPD began with and maintains this mission today; to provide services where needed and in the communication used by the person served.

COPD soon became a program of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, Inc. (CCS) and connected today with an expansion of programs in Phoenix, Valley Center of the Deaf, in New Mexico, Community Outreach Program for the Deaf-New Mexico office and the Community Living Program (CLP).

Programs/Services:

Counseling: COPD offers counseling services for consumers and family members as they deal with life’s challenges.  These may include family relationships, stress management, depression, adjustment to hearing loss, substance abuse prevention, anger management and other support services.

Case Management: COPD offers a connection to resources by assisting persons with a hearing loss with financial, tax, legal, and housing issues.

Independent Living: COPD provides the tools to support persons in maximizing their independence.  We provided education, information, and specific skill attainment for persons needing this service.

Services for DeafBlind persons: COPD supports persons who have lost both their vision and hearing with a variety of services to include: Support Service Provider, skill training, computer skill training, and environmental supports at home and in the community

Vocational Services: COPD offers comprehensive services to persons with a hearing loss beginning at the age of 14.  COPD provides a summer work experience for youth, job training, job seeking skill classes, customized employment, supported employment and job development and placement.  COPD assists individuals in accessing the training and services they need to obtain and retain employment.

Technology and Equipment Assistance:  With the support of ACDHH and Aztep, COPD helps persons find the device and equipment that best fits their needs.   Equipment ranges from doorbells, alarms, to TTY machines, video options and phone equipment.

Communication Access: COPD provides access to services throughout the state of Arizona with a pool of certified interpreters matched to provide the specific communication mode.  COPD provides our interpreters for a variety of situations, included medical appointments, job interviews and personal services.  COPD also offers emergency interpretation and communication access 24 hours 7 days a week along with video interpretation using the latest technology.

Community Services: COPD stays connected with its hearing loss communities by offering workshops to seniors, transition planning for youth, adult basic education, computer classes and other classes that the community may be interested in obtaining.

PEPNet: COPD has partnered with PEPNet (Post Secondary Programs for Individuals who are Deaf) to bring consultation and training to agencies, schools and secondary education programs to support Deaf youth in transition in acquiring the services and information to support their life goals.  This program is provided in four state, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Southern California.  For specific information contact Larry Rhodes at 520-792-1906.

Additional Information: www.copdaz.org