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For
a combination of more than 20 years in fire
protection and mortgage assistance, we
have helped deaf and hard of hearing Americans with
their needs.
As
many know, we began serving the community by
representing the National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
in the area of fire protection in the early 1980s.
We assisted in the development of industry and
product standards for visual fire alarms and
visual smoke detectors, with representation on
various codes and standards writing committees.
Subsequently,
the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
established fire protection requirements for persons
who are deaf and hard of hearing. Many states now
have statutes requiring fire protection for persons
who are deaf and hard of hearing. The ADA added
additional requirements based upon standards written
by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) and the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) A117 Committee.
We are members of those committees, representing
the NAD.
While
establishing requirements for fire protection and
accessibility for people who are deaf and hard of
hearing for the past 24 years, we became involved
with other areas of concern. We noted many
instances in several states where deaf residents
were unfairly treated in home mortgages. Some paid
higher rates of interest; some were misled into
thinking their mortgages would be paid in 15 years,
only to learn they had a balloon which was due in 15
years; some would have done well with fixed rate
mortgages, while others would have been better
served by programs with adjustable rate or interest
only mortgages; and still others could have
benefited with a tailored combination of programs.
And, all could have been better served with an
interpreter; a must in our organization.
We
have changed the way the mortgage industry does
business with the community. We offer a short
form ONLINE APPLICATION to provide speed and
convenience; video phones and/or video phone
relay service for clarity and explanations. See
“Apply
Online”.
Each
loan program is specifically tailored to the needs
of that individual or family. We have a tried,
tested, proven, and simple system for each
client. Every question is answered. Each client is
treated with dignity and respect. We have access to
many loan programs, with service for all
50 states, to provide deaf and hard of hearing
residents nationwide, with the same uniform and
outstanding services. No matter where you live, we
are here to help you. Referral business is how we
have grown.
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