Creating Pathways Towards Independence
Who We Are
DCC's Dream began in 1997 during a town hall meeting of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-Hearing community members. The main request, to create a living space accessible to the unique needs for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing individuals.
Through many years of fundraising, several false starts and a mound of frustration, in 2022 DCCNM partnered with Sol Housing. Together after 25 years, that dream became possible!
On October 3, 2023 the PAH! Hilands Plaza apartments were completed. Click to visit PAH! Hiland Plaza
Grand Opening October 2023 - Ribbon Cutting
Mission
DCCNM is dedicated to the development, growth & education of our Deaf NM community and to share our Culture with our allies.
Advancing equity for the deaf community through innovative programs.
Community ASL Classes
The Deaf Entrepreneurial Training Program seeks out members of the D/DB/HoH community who are seeking to establish their own baking and/or coffee shop business.
Once pre-reqresites have been attained, the budding entrepreneur begins entry into the SVEDP where they will create their culinary delights. Then bring them back to DCCNM's on-site incubator coffee shop. There they will work with a Deaf Mentor/Manager to have hands-on guided professional development in the art of selling their creations.
The coffee shop experience will allow for 1 to 2 years of work with 60% of earnings going to the entrepreneur. Another 3 years with the SVEDP to provide multiple resources to business, legal and a culinary kitchen.
Deaf teachers bring every neuane of the language forward for our Hearing allies to communicate with us.
Parents of Deaf children, hearing teachers who have deaf students, families with Deaf family and friends all come to our classes.
Small intimate classes promote real learning. Events that challenge the student to use what they have learned adds to the process.
Creating Pathways Towards Independence
A collaboration between DCCNM and Albuquerque Sign Language Academy (ASLA).
Students take their learning to the streets, or rather the DCCNM DEcAF Coffee Shop
Gallery
Celebrating the vibrant culture and achievements of our community.
October 2023 Grand Opening the DCCNM space at the PAH! Hiland Plaza.
Left to right: Nathan Gnome, Ron Stern, Bob Moore, James WoodenLegs(back), Jennifer Bennett-seated, Lisa McNiven-standing, Faye Falvey-standing, Toni Eidson-seated. (All founding members of DCCNM and instrumental in making PAH! Hiland PLaza a reality.)
Lisa McNiven Receives Proclamation
Sandra Simmons-Goy Memorial for son and ASL Quilt donation.
DCCNM Grand Opening Speaker with Ron Stern (MC)
October 2023 Audience at DCCNM Grand Opening.
DCCNM Events Room during construction