Springfield College Opens Deaf Community Home

SPRINGFIELD — The Deaf Community Home at Springfield College celebrated its grand opening today. A special ribbon- cutting ceremony featuring project participants was set to begin at 10:15 a.m.

The home is located at 35 Colchester Street.

Through a partnership with Springfield College and the Center for Human Development, the home will fill a void in the community by offering much-needed services to this underserved population. At the home, deaf individuals with intellectual disabilities will engage in services, socialization, employment, recreation, and leisure activities.

The ribbon cutting ceremony featured Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper; CEO and President of the Center for Human Development Jim Goodwin; state Sen. Eric Lesser; state Rep. Angelo Puppolo; Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commissioner Heidi Reed or Deputy Commissioner Patricia Ford; Department of Developmental Services Commissioner Elin Howe or Deputy Commissioner Larry Tummino; and Co-founder and Project Leader of the Springfield College Deaf Group Home Collaboration Betsy Davison.