“What we do is work with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing,” Wise said. “We counsel them on steps to take toward more active and fulfilled lives. We direct them toward areas where financial aid is available, and help them understand everything from hearing aids to implants.”

And the best part, he added, “Is that we are totally free. Disability in Action (has been) a nonprofit based in Abilene for many years but we’re relatively new here. If you have a hearing impairment and don’t know where to start, we are here to help. If you don’t understand the signs that contribute to poor hearing, we can talk you through them.”

DIA has been in Wichita Falls since 2013 and is equipped to cover a 30-county area in and around North Texas and southern Oklahoma. Texas counties covered by DIA include Archer, Baylor, Comanche, Cottle, Jack, Knox, Stephens, Taylor, Throckmorton, Foard, Wichita, Wilbarger and Young.

“We are available to provide one-on-one visits to our office or we can go into homes, schools and workplaces,” Wise said. “We work with businesses and community groups on understanding hearing loss, coping skills, sensitivity training and communication strategies.

“We are not tied to any specific hearing center or health agency. What we do is give you the best advice we can and leave the decisions to you.”

The Wichita Falls office is located at 2611 Plaza Parkway, Suite. 301B, in Century Plaza.

To set up an appointment, call Wise at 940-264-4002 or email Jim.Wise@DisabilityinAction.org.

Source:Times Record News
Image credit: Jim Wise