John is deaf, has mild autism and has several mental health challenges.  He is a participant in a pilot program sponsored by Kentucky ADAPT, a statewide nonprofit group that provides services to deaf and hard of hearing adults with additional challenges. 

“John’s dream of living independently could not have come true without Kentucky ADAPT,” said his mother, Dahlia Haas.  Prior to moving to Danville, John lived for years with his parents in their Lexington home.

John and a housemate (a deaf man much like John) live with a non-disabled deaf assistant in a public housing unit in Danville just down the street from John’s alma mater, Kentucky School for the Deaf.  The unit was obtained through the Housing Authority of Danville (HAD).  HAD’s director, Rachel White, is currently chairperson of the Kentucky ADAPT Board of Directors.

When asked if he likes Danville, John (whose primary language is American Sign Language) vehemently signs, “Yes!”  When asked why, he says, “I have Deaf friends here.”

The word “Deaf” with a capital “D” is used to describe individuals like John who identify with the Deaf community and Deaf culture.  Primary values of Deaf persons are a preference for American Sign Language rather than speech and interaction/socialization with other Deaf persons who sign.

John’s Deaf friends—and several hearing ones—brought an assortment of gifts to a housewarming party for John and his housemate when the two of them moved into the home in early June.

John’s house is located near downtown Danville, so he can easily walk to church, his pharmacy, and his bank.  His deaf assistant drives him to destinations not within walking distance (e.g., his karate school, where he receives lessons three times a week).  During the day John attends the Mercer County Adult Day Care program in Harrodsburg.  He is working with a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor and a supported employment counselor to find a part-time job.

According to Ms. White, John is only one of hundreds of deaf/hard of hearing adults throughout the state who could benefit from Kentucky ADAPT’s services.

“Kentucky ADAPT is the only program in Kentucky which offers services to individuals like John,” she said.  “We want our pilot program to become permanent and to expand to serve many others.”

To achieve this goal, the organization has scheduled a number of fundraising events this year, including a Fun Walk to be held at Jacobson Park on September 27.