The Learning Center for the Deaf has been named MetroWest Chamber of Commerce (MWCOC) 2020 Non-Profit Partner of the Year.
MWCOC collected nominations for organizations that provide services and support for the MetroWest business community.
Now celebrating our 50th year, The Learning Center for the Deaf is an internationally-recognized, multi-service agency and largest provider of services to deaf and hard of hearing children and adults in New England.
“As an employer of choice for the Deaf community, TLC is proud to be an economic contributor to the MetroWest region,” said TLC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith. “Our mission is to support our community by providing comprehensive and accessible services for all deaf and hard of hearing individuals and families. We strive to always create a valuable partnership with local businesses, organizations and individuals.”
The award will be officially recognized at a virtual event hosted by MWCOC later this month.
While this year has presented exceptional circumstances with COVID-19, TLC has remained a vibrant resource for its community, offering audiology services, residential therapeutic education; remote and hybrid education, early intervention through our Badavas Parent Infant Program and interpreting services to local medical centers, businesses, and organizations.
TLC’s two schools -- Marie Philip School and Walden School - offer a robust athletics program, providing opportunities for competition, skill development, and teamwork for students from elementary to high school. TLC partners with the Special Olympics Unified Sports Program to offer inclusive opportunities.
The Learning Center for the Deaf leaders and staff are actively engaged in leadership roles in our community, including MWCOC, Metrowest Leadership Academy, The Framingham Centre Cultural District, and Rotary.
TLC’s Interpreting Services Department supports more than 100 business clients in the MetroWest area and is a nationally-sought internship site for interpreters-in-training because of its depth of staff who are nationally certified and/or Massachusetts state screened interpreters who are able to provide a multitude of experiences and support.
Through TLC's Transition Program, partnerships have been developed with local employers who offer internships for our high school students, and employers in turn gain valuable opportunities to work with our students. Transition employer partners include: Access Framingham, Baypath Humane Society, CVS, C&W, Danforth Museum, Definitive Healthcare, Expressions Art Bar, Framingham Public Library, Framingham Town Hall, Freedom Printing, Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni (IAFSA), Knots of Fun, Price Chopper, Putts & More, Reliant Medical, ReStore, Robinson's Hardware, St. Patrick’s Manor, Save A Dog, Sweet Meadow Farm, TJMaxx, White Oak Farm, and the YMCA.