Kentucky General Election: Important Dates
October 22 - Last day to request mail-in absentee ballot
October 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30 - Six days of Excused In-Person Absentee Voting
October 31, November 1, 2 - Three days of No-Excuse In-Person Absentee Voting
November 5 – General Election
Learn more about Constitutional Amendment 1 and 2 that will be on your ballot; go to the Office of the Secretary of State’s webpage of the two Constitutional Amendments, with links to the appropriate passages included in the amendments.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Observed each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or "NDEAM," we celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America's workplaces and economy. NDEAM's purpose is to confirm our commitment to ensuring disabled workers have access to good jobs, every month of every year. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme: "Access to Good Jobs for All."
Resources for Employers:
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a great resource of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Curious about the ways employers accommodate workers with disabilities? Ask JAN!
The ADA National Network has created the Employment Resource Hub to address specific themes and common questions related to employment and the ADA.
Did you know about the Employment First Kentucky? It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky that competitive integrated employment shall be considered the first and primary option for persons with disabilities of working age who desire to become employed, including those with the most significant disabilities. KCDHH partnered with KY Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to create "Hiring Deaf and Hard of Hearing Employees" guidebook to educate employers on the benefits of hiring deaf and hard of hearing individuals for their workplace.
US Department of State Daily Press Briefings
The federal Department of State has the new addition of ASL picture-in-picture (PIP) during daily Department of State press briefings along with captioning. You can watch these fully accessible daily briefings at YouTube.
Louisville's Sandra Mae Frank Stars in "The Silent Hour"
Actress Sandra Mae Frank in "The Silent Hour."
(Photo Credit: Republic Pictures, a Paramount Pictures label)
Louisville native Sandra Mae Frank, a graduate of Kentucky School for the Deaf and the theater arts program at Gallaudet University, is making waves with her latest film, "The Silent Hour". Best known for her previous role in the NBC drama series "New Amsterdam", Frank, who typically acts in ASL, plays the role of Ava Fremont, a Deaf woman who inadvertently witnesses a murder committed by corrupt police. The film also stars Joel Kinnaman, Mekhi Phifer, and Mark Strong. Notably, Kinnaman's character also has a hearing loss which plays a role in the film's events.
"The Silent Hour" is a film that Kentuckians, especially those who are deaf and hard of hearing, won’t want to miss. Support one of our own as she continues to shine on the big screen! Find where to stream it: The Silent Hour (2024) Stream and Watch Online | Moviefone
Check out these YouTube interviews with Sandra, Joel Kinnaman and Director Brad Anderson.
The Silent Hour Interview: Sandra Mae Frank on Doing Stunts as a Deaf Actress (youtube.com)
The Silent Hour Star Joel Kinnaman Shares the Unique Experience of Playing a Late Deafened Character (youtube.com)
The Silent Hour Director Brad Anderson Dishes on His Action Movie & Its Focus on the Deaf Community (youtube.com)
Deaf Day at Pumpkin Patch
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Retreat
Reminder: This event is a closed event for Deaf and Hard of Hearing folks, looking for a sense of community and healing. The retreat is FREE and will include hiking, riding the "sky-lift" and sharing meals together (A brown-bag lunch, hiking snacks, and dinner). Peer Support Specialist Ron will also lead a meditation at the Natural Bridge.
State Capitol Halloween Celebration
Governor Beshear talking to a trick or treater during Halloween 2023
The Governor invited Kentucky families to come to the Kentucky State Capitol on Oct. 31 to take part in a Halloween celebration. From 6 to 8 p.m. EDT, trick or treating will take place on the South Lawn of the Capitol. Several state cabinets and departments will have staff at booths to hand out candy, and the Governor and First Lady will be handing out candy at the Governor’s Mansion.
"We're excited to welcome everyone back, once again, and Britainy and I can’t wait to see all the costumes and smiling faces," said Gov. Beshear.
KY Hands & Voices' Annual Trivia Night & Silent Auction
Reminder: Costumes are encouraged but not required. Prizes will be given for best eras-themed costume and best group/table eras costume. Medieval Times, the Roarin’ 20s, Swingin’ 60s, a Swiftie…the choice is yours! Reserve your tickets now! All proceeds benefit Kentucky Hands & Voices.
Event to be held on November 2, 2024, 6:30 to 9:30 PM at The Foundry on Broadway, 317 West Broadway Street, Frankfort, KY.
Finke Fun Run/Walk
Click on flyer for more information and registration.
FDA Approves Some Apple AirPods to be Used as Hearing Aids
Two years after federal health officials approved the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids, some Apple AirPods owners may soon be able to access the medical device in the comfort of their home with the click of a software update.
The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved Apple's new "Hearing Aid Feature" which will amplify sounds for people with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. The Apple feature, coming this fall via a free software update, will only work with AirPods Pro 2 ear buds and iOS 18-compatible iPhones or iPads. It is intended for adults 18 or older.
Continue reading this article at NPR.
You can also get more information about this at Apple's website.
PLEASE VISIT KCDHH’S
IF YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO LIST ON THE CALENDAR,
PLEASE EMAIL US AT: kcdhh@ky.gov
KCDHH Resources:
KCDHH’s Telecommunications Access Program (TAP):
Landline or wireless equipment for Kentucky residents who are deaf,
hard of hearing, speech impaired, or have both a hearing and vision loss.
KENTUCKY COMMISSION ON THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
632 Versailles Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Voice: 502-573-2604
Videophone: 502-416-0607
Toll Free: 800-372-2907
kcdhh.ky.gov | kcdhh@ky.gov
