Newsroom

GOVERNOR RENDELL RECOGNIZES EFFORT TO BRING A STATE-OF-THE-ART VIDEOPHONE FOR PERSONS WHO ARE DEAF TO CILCP A free-of-charge videophone can now be accessed at CILCP. The videophone enables people who communicate through sign language to make and receive phone calls.   (Camp Hill, Pa.) - The Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania (CILCP) unveiled a new free-of-charge videophone for people who are deaf. The videophone was made possible by a collaborative effort, which has been publicly recognized by Governor Edward G. Rendell. CILCP, a nonprofit, nonresidential organization established to advance the rights of people with disabilities through the elimination and prevention of barriers, teamed up with the Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to provide this service. "This videophone is a great example of advocacy in action," Governor Rendell said. "I applaud the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) for its initiative in embracing my vision to improve Pennsylvanian's quality of life." For more information click here. The videophone is a permanent addition to CILCP, which is located at 207 House Ave., Suite 107 in Camp Hill. To set up an appointment to use the phone, consumers can contact CILCP at 717-731-1900. Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduled videophone appointments are preferred. CILCP staff members can assist anyone who needs help operating the phone. Sorenson Communications, a Utah-based provider of communication services for the deaf, donated the videophone for CILCP's use. The videophone enables people who communicate through sign language to make and receive phone calls with friends, business colleagues and family members who also communicate through sign language. Additionally the videophone provides a qualified interpreter for individuals who communicate through sign language and need to contact a hearing individual. "Pennsylvanians whose first language is American Sign Language (ASL) can use the videophone to communicate in the way that is most familiar and clear to them," Governor Rendell said. "Friends and families can converse more personally and professionals can conduct business more efficiently." "We're proud to have helped inform the CILCP about this service that will benefit Central Pennsylvania's deaf community," Sharon Behun, director of ODHH. Janetta Green, the director of operations with CILCP, says that her staff is excited to provide this state-of-the-art technology to the general public. "It has been a great team effort between ODHH, OVR, Sorenson Communications and CILCP," Green said. "ODHH and OVR were instrumental in helping us to identify this need and facilitating communication with Sorenson." Since the CILCP's inception, it has established numerous programs to benefit people with disabilities, and the Independent Living philosophy remains the heart of its mission. This philosophy affirms that all persons with disabilities have the right to choose and fully participate in all aspects of society. The CILCP is wholeheartedly committed to this philosophy and diligently works toward a continuum of comprehensive services for people with disabilities in Central Pennsylvania. The Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania is a nonprofit, nonresidential organization established for and by people with disabilities and serves Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Mifflin and Juniata counties. Services are also available to families of individuals with disabilities, community service providers, governmental agencies, and private businesses. CILCP's vision is to empower people with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of society. For more information on the CILCP visit www.cilcp.org or contact Karen Gross at 717-975-2148 or via email at kgross@hersheyphilbin.com. ### Back to the Newsroom