Home for deaf and deaf/blind elderly to close Media, PA:

Valley View, a residential facility serving deaf and deaf blind elderly for over 100 years may close over lack of proper licensing.For years, government departments have been unable to find an appropriate category to permanently alicense this unique facility.Valley View is the only nursing/assistive living home in Pennsylvania that is fully accessible to those who use American Sign Language (ASL).Deaf and hearing staff sign with the 40 residents living there and are fully aware of the unique cultural needs of the deaf community.

The current waiver that has allowed Valley View to function expires on March 31, the date the facility should close.A postponement has been granted but this is one of many provided in the last two years.A resolution has not been found to date and members of the Pennsylvania Society for the Deaf (PSAD), a 130 year old organization that advocates for communication access rights, is concerned that the delay is to give government officials time to relocate the Valley View residents into separate nursing facilities where they will not have access to ASL.This communication isolation can lead to the deterioration of mental and physical health and will deprive the deaf and deaf/blind the respect and dignity they deserve.Some would say this is "elder abuse" to place individuals in an environment without communication with their caretakers or other resident.

PSAD members and other deaf and hearing individuals will rally outside Valley View on March 31 to bring attention to this crisis.Join us and help save Valley View.

Rally information:

Date: March 31, 2012

Location: Valley View/Elwyn Inc.; 111 Elwyn Rd Media, PA 19063

Time: 10 AM Rain or Shine

newspaper article on Vally View problem...

http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2012/03/28/news/doc4f7273b266ea9165075070.txt?mobRedir=falsee