Maine Center on Deafness : Peer Support

Peer Support Groups - Visual Gestural Communication

Peer Support Group (PSG) is a structured gathering for D/deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or non-verbal adults with developmental delays, their caregivers, and families. The focus of these group sessions is to enhance communication skills through structured activities. These opportunities increase clients’ communication partners and strategies, improving access to health, safety and vocational situations and services.

For more information contact Darleen Winship
207-767-7656 (tty)
Email: Dwinship@mcdmaine.org

Peer Support Group Schedule and Activities

Bangor

April 2nd, 2008 - Bowling
June 3rd, 2008 - ( theme to be determined at later date)

Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where:
Alpha One
1048 Union Street, Suite 2
Bangor, Maine. 04401

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Augusta

April 9 th, 2008 - Bowling
May 14 tth, 2008 - (theme to be determined at later date)
June 11 th, 2008 - (theme to be determined at later date)

Time: 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm

Where:
DD Council of Maine
225 Western Ave
Augusta , Maine 04330

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Portland

April 16 th, 2008 - Bowling
May 21 st, 2008 - (theme to be determined at later date)
June 18 th, 2008 - (theme to be determined at later date)

Time: 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m.

Where: Masonic Hall
102 Bishop St
Portland , Maine 04103

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Sponsored by Department of Health and Human Services

Training Announcement

Maine Department of Health & Human Services
and the
Maine Center on Deafness
Present
Visual Gestural Communication (VGC) Classes

What is Visual-Gestural Communication?
Visual Gestural Communication (VGC) is a way of communicating based on using the face, hands, and body. Often individuals who cannot communicate effectively using either a spoken language like English, or a formal signed language like ASL, will be able to communicate more effectively using natural gestures.

Why do I need training?
Training will help you be more aware of your body language and learn how to use VG effectively. Training will help you get out of the habit of speaking and into the habit of gesturing in a way that best fits your consumer's communication needs and goals. Your modeling of this form of communication may expand the consumer's use of gestures and enhance their communication options.

*PLEASE SHARE THIS NOTICE WITH CONSUMERS AND FAMILIES WHO MIGHT PARTICIPATE

To for more information on classes contact vgc@mcdmaine.org

To register for classes contact the DHHS Adult Developmental Services Coordinator in your area - see the below list or download the attached flyer.
Classes are FREE for consumers, their families, staff and case managers. However, registration is limited.

Region 1

November 19 - Portland

December 3 - Sanford

Laurie Kimball
DHHS Adult Developmental Services
175 Lancaster St.
Portland, ME 04101
Tel. 822-0270
Fax 822-0295
laurie.kimball@maine.gov

Region 2

November 5 - Lewiston

November 14 - Rockland

December 10 - Augusta

Roxanne Rollins
DHHS Adult Developmental Services
#11 SHS CETA Bldg.
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Tel. 287-4409
Fax 287-7186
roxanne.rollins@maine.gov

Region 3

June 23 - Caribou

Phil Leonard
DHHS Adult Developmental Services
176 Hogan Rd.
Bangor, ME 04401
Tel. 941-4058
Fax 941-4389
phil.leonard@maine.gov

Augusta and Lewiston events will be cancelled if UMA (University of Maine Augusta is closed. Bangor will cancel if Bangor Adult Ed cancels.

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Special Thanks to:

All volunteers who help at PSG meetings and to all businesses and individuals contributing to PSG

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