AIM has a long relationship with the deaf culture and through its 30-year history has provided services and programming in education; advocacy; rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act; information about, and temporary provision of, assistive technology; self-advocacy; and information and referral.

AIM offers to the deaf and to other interested parties: individual advocacy; trainings to empower the deaf in self-advocacy; presentations for assistive technology, interacting with deaf culture, educating youth on deaf culture, deaf support groups and deaf club. Please contact AIM at 1.888.962.8244 and ask for an advocate.

Several years ago, through meetings with the Deaf of Chemung County, AIM learned that the three greatest concerns of the deaf were 1.) having hospitals provide an interpreter for the deaf when the deaf are taken to, or admitted to, a hospital; 2.) interacting with law enforcement during traffic infractions; arrests; and in cases of domestic violence, especially where hearing children are used by law enforcement during a domestic violence call to the home; and 3.) the school system not interacting with deaf parents by TTY in cases of emergency or to relay information that is being relayed to hearing parents.

Please, cut out and use this deaf card:
Click Here To Download Deaf Card!
During the filming of the law enforcement series, AIM constructed a DEAF CARD that can be placed in the visor of the deaf person's car, and taken down and shown to law enforcement during a traffic pullover - just as is shown in the DVD. For purposes of making sure the deaf have this card, please

• Print out the page (click on the above link), cut the card to size, scotch tape the ends, and place on your visor to use when pulled over by law enforcement.
• Always remember, place the card between the fingers of your left hand so that law enforcement can quickly see that it says I AM DEAF.
• Keep your hands high on the steering column. Turn your face to law enforcement so that they can see you.
• Do not make any sudden moves - let law enforcement evaluate the situation so they understand you are not going to hurt them.
• If it is night time and law enforcement shines a light in your eyes, keep your hands high on the steering column - put the deaf card between your fingers so law enforcement reads it and understands you are deaf. Do not make any sudden moves.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Deaf Services

Can AIM Deaf Services find me a job?
No. You will be referred to ACCESS VR

Can AIM fix my video phone?
No. You need to contact the company who owns the video phone.

Sometimes I don't the understand letters I get in the mail. Can AIM help me explain what it means in the letter.
Yes. Contact us for an appointment.

Will AIM staff show up for me in court or at a school CSE meeting or any other meeting?
Yes. AIM staff will come with you as your advocate, but you must make an appointment with AIM to discuss what you need as soon as you know you will have a court date or CSE meeting. Do not wait to call AIM - call right away so you are sure AIM can give you someone to work with and has plenty of time to help you get your information in order. In addition, during these meetings, you, as an adult or as a parent, still have the power to make decisions and the final say in what it is that you want. AIM acts as a support to you during this time.

Can AIM help pay my rent or bills?
No. We do not give out money.

Will AIM loan me deaf equipment?
Please call TRAID at 1.888.962.8244 ext.225

Click here to access the world deaf directory.