The MCD Civil Rights Program provides a wide range of advocacy services for people who are d/Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Late-Deafened, and/or Speech Impaired.

These include:

• Individual Advocacy
• Systems Advocacy
• Training and Education
• Information for Lawyers

Services are available to individuals of all ages, including children and adults. Services are provided without regard to financial status of the individual - there is no income limit to be eligible for services.

If you or someone you know is being discriminated against because of deafness or hearing loss, MCD's civil rights staff may be able to provide assistance.

Contact us if you think you have been discriminated against in any of the following places or situations:

• Work
• Doctors' offices or in the hospital
• Counseling centers
• School or college or Department of Education
• Bank or insurance company
• Housing authorities/rental housing (especially if you need a visual fire alarm or doorbell)
• Legal situations such as court or in a lawyer's office
• Other government offices like Motor Vehicles, DHS, Social Security, general assistance and others
• Police, jails or corrections
• 911 or emergency response providers
• Maine Relay Service
• Closed captioning on television

MCD Civil Rights advocates are working to fight the root causes of discrimination by developing and implementing a systemic strategy to ensure the rights of d/Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Late-Deafened, and/or Speech Impaired individuals. MCD works with advocates and other representatives from public and private organizations and agencies who share a common interest in wiping out discriminatory attitudes and policies, and protecting the civil rights of d/Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Late-Deafened, and/or Speech Impaired individuals. MCD also works to educate public and private entities regarding their obligations under laws such as the Maine Human Rights Act, and federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

To work toward this goal, MCD has organized and provides staff support to conduct monthly meetings of the a Deaf Rights Group (DRG). The DRG is a statewide coalition of Deaf rights activists including Deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing people who are committed to securing equal access for d/Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Late-Deafened, and/or Speech Impaired individuals. Members of the coalition include D/deaf and hard-of-hearing activist educators, lawyers, advocates, interpreters, mental health providers, State employees, and legislators.

The DRG began in July, 1994 when a few individuals got together to discuss how to tackle civil rights issues that were affecting people in Maine who are D/deaf and hard-of-hearing. Today the DRG is strong and active.

The DRG is open to anyone committed to promoting equal access for d/Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Late-Deafened, and/or Speech Impaired individuals. Meetings are held the fourth Friday of each month. (See DRG Meeting Schedule and DRG Meeting Minutes for more information.)

MCD advocates also work with members of the Maine State Legislature and various state agencies to address discrimination through new legislation and changes in state rules and policies to eliminate and protect against discrimination.