Advocates Deaf Respite Program, the first of its kind in Massachusetts, provides Deaf, Hard-of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind adults experiencing psychiatric crises with access to community-based short-term support to help them recover and transition back to community living. All aspects of the program are designed first and foremost to meet the cultural communication and therapeutic needs of Deaf individuals. Located in Westborough the program is staffed entirely by clinicians who are themselves Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and who have the skills and sensitivity to meet the communication needs of participants in the program. Participants work with staff to access resources and put in place the supports they need to successfully transition back to the community. To be eligible, referrals must be:
- Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind
- At least 18 years old
- Must live in Massachusetts