AND HARD OF HEARING SERVICES
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd
At the Lancaster Sports Bar on 10 N Market St from noon to 3pm and 5pm to 8pm!
Can't make it to the event? The Lancaster office will be open 8:30am to 11:30am for in person donations.
Welcome to Keystone Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services!
Your financial support helps to provide our much needed client services, advocacy, social events, hearing aid assistance and more.
Two Locations to Serve You Better!!
Berks Office
1290 Broadcasting Rd.
Suite 1
Wyomissing, PA 19610
If you need assistance, you can walk in or call the office for an appointment
VP: 484-388-4086
Voice: 610-685-4523
Lancaster Office
2270 Old Philadelphia Pike
Lancaster, PA 17602
REAR ENTRANCE
If you need assistance, you can walk in or call the office for an appointment
VP: 717-207-9822
Voice: 717-207-7530
Monday thru Thursday
8:00 am to 3:30 pm
*Fridays we work remotely
View News, Events, and More Below
ASL Interpreted Performance at the Theatre
Accessibility at the Fulton Theatre
The Fulton Theatre in Lancaster PA offers multiple accessibility options for deaf and hard of hearing people coming to see their shows.
Reserve your tickets now!
Assistive Listening Devices amplify and clarify the sound onstage. The inconspicuous FM receiver may be used in any seat at any performance. Induction neck loops are available for patrons who use hearing aids and cochlear implants with a “T” switch feature (also known as “T-coil” or “telephone switch” or “telephone coil”). There is no charge to use a receiver. They are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from the Audience Services Desk, located near the main lobby restrooms.
Certified interpreters for select performances provide American Sign Language interpretation. To access special reserved seating, complete an Accessibility Ticket Reservation Form. If you need to cancel your reservation, contact access@thefulton.org
ASL interpreted performances are held on the second Saturday of each Marquee Series production on the following dates:
- Frozen – Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 2PM
- Jesus Christ Superstar – Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2PM
- Anastasia – Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 2PM
- CATS – Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 2PM
Open-Captioned performances provide patrons with live text presentation of onstage dialogue on a LED screen situated in a box to the right side of the stage. The captions seen on the LED screen may be read from most seats in the theatre, though many prefer seats in the Parquet or Orchestra sections for the best view. An experienced captioner scrolls text in sync with the actors’ spoken word. Tickets can be reserved at the box office or online. The Pay-What-You-Want program is available for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing at all open captioned performances. Please fill out the Accessibility Ticket Reservation Form for the Pay-What-You-Want rate.
Open-captioned performances are held on the second Saturday and third Tuesday of each Marquee Series production on the following dates:
Mainstage Series
- Frozen – Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 2PM
- Jesus Christ Superstar – Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2PM
- Anastasia – Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 2PM
- CATS – Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 2PM
Interpreters bridge communication gap for Penn State Berks student
A student at Penn State Berks is achieving her dreams with the combined help of Penn State and KDHHS. Read about Jenny Jewell Kramer and her journey in this article.
More COVID test kits available
As of September 2024, households are able to order 4 free COVID test kits through USPS. You can learn more and order here:
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Presented by: PA Department of Agriculture & Berks County Area Agency on Aging
Program runs June 01,2024 through November 30, 2024. Checks must be used by 11/30/24
Checks are available on a first come first served basis and will not be distributed after 9/30/24
Program Eligibility
You must be 60 years old by December 31,2024 or older.
Your income must be less than: $27,861 for one person, $37,814 for two people, $47,767 for three people, and $57,720 for four people in the household.
Program Guidelines
Each eligible senior may receive five – $10.00 checks for a total benefit of $50.00, ONE time during the program year.
Applications available at the Berks County Area Agency on Aging and the Berks County Senior Centers. Submit your application to the Area Agency on Aging to be processed. Checks will be mailed directly to the applicant.
Use checks to purchase only the fruits, vegetables and herbs grown in Pennsylvania. (Items not covered by the checks include jams, honey, nuts, cider, baked goods, citrus, tropical fruits or processed food – sliced fruits are considered processed).
Look for the Farmer's Market Nutrition Program sign at your favorite farm stand or check for participating markets at www.pafmnp.pa.gov.
For more information, call 610-478-6500, Berks County Area Agency on Aging
County Services Center 633 Court Street, 8th floor Reading, PA 19601
ASL I Sign Class
By Tom Humphries, Carol Padden, and Terrance J O'Rourke
When: Every Wednesday Evening from October 2nd through November 20th
5:30pm - 7: 30pm
Prerequisite: You must be 10th grade or older to participate
Class takes place once per week for a total of eight weeks.
Cost per 8 week session: $160
Class size limited to the first 10 registered students.
Where: KDHHS 1290 Broadcasting Rd, Wyomissing PA
Download the form below and send it to the KDHHS location or Sarah Cline at scline@kdhhs.net.
ASL I Sign Class
By Tom Humphries, Carol Padden, and Terrance J O'Rourke
When: Every Tuesday Evening from October 1nd through November 19th
5:30pm - 7: 30pm
Prerequisite: You must be 10th grade or older to participate
Class takes place once per week for a total of eight weeks.
Cost per 8 week session: $160
Class size limited to the first 10 registered students.
Where: KDHHS 2270 Old Philadelphia Pike Rear Building, Lancaster PA
Download the form below and send it to the KDHHS location or Nikki Mergel at adminassist@kdhhs.net.
GIVING TUESDAY
When: December 3rd from 10am to 3pm
OUR GOAL: $5,000
Giving Tuesday is your chance to help us continue to provide client services to our community. This gives you a chance to help make a difference!
Where: KDHHS, 1290 Broadcasting Rd, Wyomissing, Reading PA 19610
Refreshments will be provided
Learn - Come take a mini ASL class
Educate - Listen to what the Hearing Loss of Association of America does to support the community
Discuss - See how therapy dogs can benefit the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Health - Get your hearing checked
ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
When: Wednesday December 11th from 2pm to 6pm
(Arrive at 2pm, dinner is served promptly at 3pm)
At the Weaver's Banquet Facility, 2610 N Reading Rd, Denver PA 17517
Adults: $45
4-10: $21
3 and younger: Free
Family Style Dinner Menu
Appetizers: Cheese Cubes and Crackers
Toss Salad and Rolls
Roast Beef with Filling and Gravy
Baked Fried Chicken
Baked Boston Blue Fish with Lemon and Pepper
Mashed Potatoes, Macaroni and Cheese and French Style Green Beans
Assorted Dessert Bar
Regular and Decaf Coffee, Hot and Iced Tea
Door Prize! One winner gets free dinner for the 2025 holiday celebration!
Count the Candy game, Chinese Auction, Cash Prize Raffle and more!
Questions or RSVP:
m82jboice@yahoo.com
484-948-3956
scline@kdhhs.net
or Lori at 610-685-4523
DEADLINE FOR TICKETS: November 22nd
No tickets will be sold after November 22nd
Please send your check or money order with the exact money payable to KDHHS
FREE Strobe Smoke Alarms from the Red Cross
Does someone in your household need assistive fire safety equipment? Are you interested in learning more about how to prepare your home and family against a home fire? Sign up for a home fire safety visit from your local Red Cross.
The American Red Cross and its partners install FREE assistive equipment that is designed to alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in the event of a fire. Resources are made available as supplies allow.
KDHHS Social Security Info Workshop
For Lancaster Deaf and HH Community – ASL Interpretation
Date: HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED - New date TBA
Where: Lancaster Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
2270 Old Philadelphia Pike; Lancaster, PA 17602
(Limited – 25 people)
OR
If you are unable to come, you can still attend virtually (Zoom- No Limit).
Social Security Administration (SSA) Presenter will explain the Social Security benefits including:
1- Retirement – What to do when you are ready to retire? What is the retirement age? Will you get more money if you delay your retirement? Can you work while on SS-Retirement benefit? The Social Security Retirement benefit is a monthly check that replaces part of your income when you reduce your hours or stop working altogether.
2- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – Are you qualified for SSDI? What are the rules? The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you are “insured.” This means that you worked long enough – and recently enough – and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings.
3- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Who can apply for SSI? What are the rules? The SSI program pays benefits to adults and children who meet our requirements for a qualifying disability and have limited income and resources.
4- Appeals – What to do if you disagree with Social Security?
*** If you need special accommodations (tactile, near/low vision, etc.), please contact Karen Pfortsch, Keystone Deaf and Hard of Hearing, VP/Voice 717-283-4460 or kpfortsch@kdhhs.net***
Keystone Deaf & Hard of Hearing provides clients services throughout Berks and Lancaster County, while also providing sign language interpreting services throughout southeastern PA.
See our Mission and Vision Statement as well as our current board members. Our dedicated Board Members volunteer their time and energy to help us serve you. We are always seeking volunteers to serve on our Board of Directors or on a Committee. Please email Kandy Reyes at kreyes@kdhhs.net.
READ MORE ABOUT USSign Language Interpreter & Other Client Services
We Appreciate Your Feedback!
Feel free to leave us a review and call the office with any questions or concerns.
“Berks Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is a valuable asset in the Berks County community. Highly trained professionals are ready to help with your hearing needs from sign language classes to medical devices for the hard of hearing. Berks Deaf holds an annual 5K/Walk fund raiser each May.”
“I go for ASL classes. Instructor is super nice, highlight of my week is when I go to class.”
“One of the best places in the country for the deaf and hard of hearing.”