Leo is 58 years old; he was born Deaf; and he attended a Deaf school. When Leo graduated from high school, he was fortunate to secure a job assisting a photographer working in a film developing room for 17 years. It was a steady, greatly satisfying job. As the world moved toward digital photography, the photographer moved toward closing his studio and, in time, Leo was out of work. Afterwards, Leo was hired by various stores to fill computer orders and organize merchandise. Some jobs did not work out, as Leo was not provided with an American Sign Language interpreter to explain his responsibilities.
Earlier in the year, Leo arrived at the law center with a housing problem: he had been living with a roommate for many years, paying 90 percent of the rent. One day, the roommate abruptly surrendered his lease to the landlord and moved out. The landlord sought to evict Leo, although neither the roommate nor Leo had created any trouble for the landlord. After many months of negotiation in Housing Court, the law center succeeded in obtaining a new lease for Leo at a rental price that Leo can afford based upon his Social Security Disability payments secured through his years of employment. Leo very much wants to find a new job and he has been assisted for a long time by a vocational rehabilitation counselor who strives to place our 58-year-old Deaf client in gainful employment. Some people in Leo’s position would feel dejected; but not Leo, who is optimistic that he will eventually find work. In the meantime, Leo tells us that he is content to have a home as we enter the new year. We wish all of you a healthy and happy New Year.
Best,
Bruce