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 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).

Mission Statement Provide effective and efficient leadership, education, advocacy and programs to eliminate barriers and to meet the social, economic, educational, cultural, intellectual and health and human services needs of deaf and hard of hearing Kentuckians.

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. KCDHH provides information, referral and advocacy services, and an interpreter referral service for state agencies. KCDHH produces the Kentucky DeaFestival and the following materials: Communicator, and brochures on topics of interest to deaf and hard of hearing persons and their families. KCDHH maintains a library of books, periodicals, DVDs, videotapes and CDs, etc. which are available for research and general information. The Telecommunications Access Program (TAP), with devices such as TDDs, amplified phones and CapTel, is available for eligible deaf and hard of hearing Kentuckians.

Commissioners establish a Strategic Plan for KCDHH biennially. These goals and priorities vary according to current trends in technology, education and the needs of deaf and hard of hearing Kentuckians.

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Mandates

	The commission shall advise the governor and the General Assembly concerning policy and programs to enhance the quality and coordination of services for deaf and hard of hearing persons.
	The commission shall cooperate with and assist local, state and federal governments, and public and private agencies in the development of programs for deaf and hard of hearing persons.
	The commission shall review legislative programs related to services for deaf and hard of hearing persons, and shall conduct studies of conditions affecting the health and welfare of deaf and hard of hearing persons.
	The commission shall oversee the provision of interpreter services to deaf and hard of hearing persons and may provide such services if needed.
	The Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing shall establish procedures for application and distribution of specialized telecommunications equipment by the promulgation of administrative regulations in accordance with provisions of KRS Chapter 13A.

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Statutes

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Administrative Regulations

Title 735

Chapter 1 Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf

Chapter 2 Interpreter Referral Services