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Sunset Review Report | Input for Proposed Rule
New Certified Interpreters | Mark Your Calendar
Where We've Been | Newsletter Update
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Image Description: Vibrant purple pink and orange sunset highlights the clouds and Colorado Rocky Mountains in the distance over an endless field of sunflowers in the eastern plains near DIA. | |
The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), who conducted an evaluation of the Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind (CCDHHDB) to determine vitality of CCDHHDB as an agency and its impact with the community stakeholders, has released their report to the state legislature. | |
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The purposes of the Sunset Review, what CCDHHDB does, what the mandates are, brief position descriptions, and other information were summarized in the report. Program data and information, e.g. number of communication access service requests, full time equivalent (FTE) and budget in the past fiscal years, are included as well.
With the assessments DORA made, they made three key recommendations and four administrative recommendations. The key recommendations include:
- Continuing CCDHHDB for seven years, until 2031.
- Creating a permanent state auxiliary services, which is also known as state communication access services.
- Changing the name of the Deafblind Citizens Council to the Deafblind Advisory Council.
The administrative recommendations were made to strengthen CCDHHDB as an agency. These include:
- Obtaining an external evaluation of its structure to provide necessary structural changes while the agency is expanding.
- Improving its stakeholder engagement experience where the stakeholders will be able to locate basic information regarding the services that CCDHHDB provides and for opportunities to share their feedback or to participate in.
- Pursuing legislation to address inconsistencies in related statutes, e.g. languages used in these multiple CCDHHDB statutes.
- Updating its rules related to grant application requirements to make it more convenient for eligible organizations to apply for the grant.
It’s anticipated that DORA will submit and lead a legislative bill on the key recommendations in the 2024 legislative session.
Further work on the administrative recommendations will be conducted by CCDHHDB and the Department of Human Services.
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Seeking Input on Proposed Rule | | |
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, state and local governments and businesses and non-profit organizations that serve the public must communicate equally and effectively with people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. Because there are not as many sign language interpreters, captioners, and resources available in rural communities, this can be a challenge. | |
Image Description: Horse making a face at the camera with blue and yellow text on lime green background saying "Hold Your Horses" followed by the CCDHHDB logo. | |
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The Rural Auxiliary Services program provides referrals and sign language interpreting and captioning services to rural areas of the state at no charge to those communities. The program also provides training opportunities and certification testing support and scholarships to those who agree to accept assignments in rural areas of the state.
After a three-year pilot, Senate Bill 21-216 was passed in 2021 and the program received permanent funding. Under this bill, the commission is directed to arrange for communication access services in rural areas, as well as write rules with official guidelines for the program and services. The commission has worked with a five-member subcommittee and held four stakeholder meetings to develop a proposed rule.
Earlier this month, the commission held two virtual town-hall meetings to gather input and information from stakeholders regarding the proposed rule. If you missed the town hall meetings, you can still review the proposed rule and provide written input through December 1, 2023. Please visit our Rural Services Proposed Rule webpage.
The proposed rule is on the agenda at the January 5, 2024 State Board of Human Services meeting. You can watch for new details on our Rural Services Proposed Rule webpage. Navigator subscribers will receive an E-Blast with updated information as it is available.
If you are interested in attending the reading of the rule on January 5, please find details on the State Board of Human Services webpage as they are published. CDHS is committed to providing equal access to our meetings for all participants.
If you would like to request accommodation to attend a State Board meeting, please contact Kyle Zinth at 720-602-6807 or via email kyle.zinth@state.co.us with your request by the close of business at least one week in advance of a meeting.
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Newly Certified RAS Interpreters | | |
Image Description: Large group of diverse people gather on a vibrant green lawn holding a banner that reads "ASL & Interpreting Studies ... Quality instruction preparing culturally and lingquistically competent interpreters, teachers and users of American Sign Language. (courtesy UNC ASLIS webpage) | |
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The Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind (CCDHHDB), in collaboration with the University of Northern Colorado's ASL and Interpreting Studies (ASLIS) program, continues to enhance access to qualified sign language interpreting services in rural areas of the state. Since 2019, the CCDHHDB's Rural Auxiliary Services program has provided two cohorts of students with a one-year or 16-month training program, followed by 40 hours of apprenticeship. The goal of the training program is to prepare participants for national certification.
Since the training began, seven participants have achieved sign language certification: Corree Cogswell (NIC), Michelle Hoagland (BEI), Parker Richardson (BEI), Dee Stacey (BEI), Rebecca Tafoya (BEI), Joy Thomas (BEI), and Ajay Waldron (NIC). They are currently providing or are completing the process to become communication access services providers in rural areas.
The second training cohort is wrapping up 16-month training and are transitioning to a 40-hour apprenticeship. Their effort and dedication will eventually improve communication access for communities in underserved regions of the state. For more information about the training programs, email Susan Brown at UNC.
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- Quarterly Commission Meeting
- DeafBlind Citizens' Council Meeting (DBCC)
- State Board of Human Services Meeting
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URGENT - DeafBlind Citizens Council (DBCC) Meeting - TOMORROW | |
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Thursday, November 16, 2023
3:15 - 5:15 p.m.
The DeafBlind Citizens' Council will be meeting virtually tomorrow afternoon (November 16). The purpose of this meeting is to better understand current funding issues at CCDHHDB and the impact on deafblind services. An opportunity for comments from the public (non-council members) will be held from 4:50 - 5:10 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 897 4241 3827
Passcode: 325464
ASL/English interpreters will be provided. If you require additional accommodations to participate in the meeting please send your request to ellie.carlson@state.co.us.
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COEHDI Meetings
Alliance Cancelled!
Friday, November 17, 2023
from 10-11:30 a.m.
The COEHDI Alliance meets the third Friday of each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Meetings are open to the public and members of the public are invited to submit a public comment. Contact kcue@coehdi.org for Zoom link.
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Quarterly Commission Meeting
Next meeting - Thursday, Dec. 6, 2023
4-6 p.m.
Meeting Agenda
Online Zoom registration is required
ASL interpretation and CART will be provided. Deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind individuals, members of the public, professionals working with the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind communities, and any other interested stakeholders are more than welcome to attend!
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DeafBlind Citizens Council (DBCC) Meeting
Next meeting - Friday, Dec. 15, 2023
1-3 p.m.
Bemis Public Library
6014 S Datura St, Littleton, CO 80120
This meeting is held every other month on the third Thursday. Anyone is welcome to attend whether they are deafblind themselves, a family member, a professional working with deafblind individuals, or a stakeholder of the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind communities.
Send RSVP to eleanor.carlson@state.co.us
Send interpreter or SSP requests to dbs.ccdhhdb@state.co.us
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State Board of Human Services Meeting
First Reading of Rural Communication Access Services program proposed rule.
January 5, 2024
Rulemakings start at 9 a.m.
1575 Sherman St. 8th floor (CSTAT Room) Denver, CO 80203
Virtual attendance via Zoom
Meeting ID: 574 139 2933
Passcode: 303720
Dial-in Number: 1-346-248-7799
CDHS is committed to providing equal access to our meetings for all participants. If you would like to request accommodation to attend a State Board meeting, please contact Kyle Zinth at 720-602-6807 or via email kyle.zinth@state.co.us with your request by the close of business at least one week in advance of a meeting.
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Image Description: CCDHHDB deaf interpreter Kevin Harrer stands on a small stage at the Robert Hoag Rawlings Public Library in Pueblo with another gentleman signing to an audience of deaf community members. | |
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On October 14, Rural Auxiliary Services (RAS) hosted a unique event for deaf, hard of hearing, and deafBlind (DHHDB) communities in Pueblo. This event coincided with an annular solar eclipse, creating a memorable atmosphere for everyone involved.
CCDHHDB advocates for a barrier-free Colorado with access to effective communication for everyone, regardless of location. This event aimed to provide rural Southern Colorado with support and resources. A total of 16 organizations participated and approximately 30 individuals attended, gathering information on various services and resources available to them. Fifteen lucky attendees were presented with gifts ranging from $30 to $50.
We extend our gratitude to the exhibitors for their time and resources. We also extend our appreciation to Sorenson and the Center Toward Self-Reliance in Pueblo, whose contributions enabled us to provide lunch for the attendees. We thank the Pueblo City-County Public Rawlings Library for allowing us to use the spacious, comfortable, and scenic Ryals Grand Event Space.
CCDHHDB's Rural Auxiliary Services (RAS) program provided two English/American Sign Language interpreters and a Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) captioner for the event. Stay tuned to the Navigator for information on upcoming community events.
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HLAA Meeting in Centennial | | |
Image Description: Hearing Loss Association of America Denver Chapter Logo on the left with a photo of the Denver skyline from Washington Park on the right. | |
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On October 21, Auxiliary Services Manager Trish Leakey gave a presentation at the Hearing Loss Association of America Denver chapter meeting at the Koelbel Library in Centennial. She shared information on the Legal Auxiliary Services program and explained how to request Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) captioning services for Colorado State Court-related events, including jury duty. Between 15-20 people attended the event. For more information, please visit www.hearinglossdenver.org.
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DeafBlind Citizen's Council | | |
Image Description: Bright Blue background featuring columns of white ribbons. Text reads Usher Syndrome is the most common cause of DeafBlindness. Usher Syndrome Awareness Day September 16. The Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind logo is included. | |
Meeting Summary
- The Virtual DBCC meeting 10/12/23 was well attended by 21 people total.
- Member recruiting work group announced that 6 of 7 Council member positions have been filled. The remaining council position for an individual who is culturally Deaf with low vision is still vacant.
- Support Service Provider program guidelines are under revision by the DeafBlind Services Team in collaboration with the SSP work group. 4 new SSPs with geographic diversity were recruited and have completed their training and mentoring hours to become Support Service Provider vendors. All SSPs will receive a new photo ID badge from CCDHHDB.
DB out and about
- Prompted by a DB community member, Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared Usher Syndrome Awareness Day on September 15 by issuing an official proclamation. Usher Syndrome is the leading cause of deafblindness.
- One deafblind individual attended Deaf Safari Day at the Denver Zoo with their SSP on October 1. They enjoyed the community interaction and technology workshops.
- Three deafblind received their first white cane and began orientation and mobility training with Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist Ellie Carlson. 2 others practiced new skills and routes during O&M training.
- Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind competed against the Rocky Mountain Deaf School in volleyball on 10/26. The CSDB Bulldogs won and both teams celebrated the end of their season together with a hamburger dinner at RMDS.
- Twelve deafblind attended the CO state convention for the National Federation for the Blind on 10/27. DeafBlind chapter president Doula Jarboe organized 5 booths for the DB exhibit hall and presented on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
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Publication Timeline Updates | |
Navigator Newsletter Schedule | | |
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Beginning in January 2024, the Navigator Newsletter will be transitioned to a bimonthly publication schedule.
You can look forward to receiving your Navigator Newsletter on the following schedule:
- January - Publication Break
- Feb. 1, 2024 - February/March
- April 1, 2024 - April/May
- June - Publication Break
- July 1, 2024 - July/August
- Sept. 1, 2024 - September/October
- Nov. 1, 2024 - November/December
If you have any questions, recommendations or feedback, please reach out to us at outreach.ccdhhdb@state.co.us
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SUBSCRIBE
This is The Navigator newsletter, a monthly report of news and updates from the Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind. You can subscribe to related topics and other newsletters using our sign-up form. Contact us via email at
outreach.ccdhhdb@state.co.us
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