About Us
The Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was established by appropriation from the Kentucky Legislature during the 1982 session. Eleven Commissioners were designated to serve on the Commission. In 1990, the law was amended to increase the number of Commissioners to fourteen. In 1992, the law was again amended to change the name to the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH).
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Mission Statement Provide effective and efficient leadership, education, advocacy and direct services to eliminate barriers and to meet the social, economic, educational, cultural and intellectual needs of deaf and hard of hearing Kentuckians.
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The KCDHH acts as an advocate for deaf and hard of hearing persons on legislative issues as well as a consultant to the Governor, General Assembly, and various state and local governmental agencies concerning policies and programs that pertain to people with hearing loss. In addition to the duties mandated by the legislature, KCDHH provides information, referral and advocacy services and an interpreter referral service for state agencies; KCDHH produces the Kentucky DeaFestival and the following materials: Directory of Services, Communicator, and brochures on topics of interest to deaf and hard of hearing persons and their families. KCDHH maintains a library of books, periodicals, videotapes and compact discs, etc. which are available for research and general information. A telecommunications access program with devices such as TDDs, amplified phones, CapTel is available for eligible deaf and hearing of hearing Kentuckians.
The Commissioners establish a Strategic Plan for KCDHH biennally. These goals and priorities vary according to current trends in technology, education, and the needs of deaf and hard of hearing Kentuckians.