KCDHH Communicator, Connecting you to Current News Team Kentucky: Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, An Agency of the Education and Labor Cabinet
VOLUME 43, NO. 2
February 2025

Commission Board Vacancies


The Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) is seeking dedicated and forward-thinking individuals who are motivated to help shape the future of advocacy and accessibility within the Commonwealth to fill upcoming vacancies on their board.

New board members’ terms will begin July 1, 2025 and expire June 30, 2028


--APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR--




Applicants must be members of the organization they wish to represent.

If interested in the KAD Representative seat please submit an application and current resumé to: Jason Smith, KAD President bleedofblue@gmail.com

If interested in the HLAA Representative seat please submit an application and current resumé to: Paula Esterle/Theresa Kidwell, Interim Co-Chairs of the HLAA Kentuckiana
     Chapter paulaesterle@gmail.com and theresa.kidwell@twc.com

If interested in the KSHA Representative seat please submit an application and current resumé to: Leigh Anne Roden, Ed, CCC-SLP, KSHA President ksha.president@ksha.info


--APPOINTED BY THE KCDHH BOARD--



Applicants may be deaf, hard of hearing or hearing and must provide consistent services to the deaf and hard of hearing population in a public or private organization.

If interested in the Service Provider Representative seat please submit an application and current resumé to: Tommy Evans, KCDHH Chair tommy.evans@cchmc.org

Questions regarding Board duties should be directed to:

Anita Dowd, KCDHH Executive Director
632 Versailles Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-573-2604 (V/T)
502-416-0607 (VP)
800-372-2907 (V/T)
www.kcdhh.ky.gov

Applications must be received by MARCH 1, 2025



Kentucky Department of Revenue’s two-week operations pause during Tax Season

The Kentucky Department of Revenue will soon launch a new tax portal for business tax filers called MyTaxes. Starting February 26, there will be a two-week operations pause at Kentucky Department of Revenue to prepare for these transitions.
Kentuckians can file individual income tax returns at any point from Jan. 27 to April 15, but Department of Revenue staff will not be able to process refunds or send acknowledgements from February 26 to March 14.
For more information: https://revenue.ky.gov/Pages/mytaxes.aspx


Kentucky Justice Needs Your Help

Kentucky Justice: Help us improve Accessibility on kyjustice.org

Kentucky's legal aid programs partner to provide a free online resource for our clients and community partners. This resource, www.kyjustice.org, has been revised through the years, to provide great content to help people with some of the most pressing civil legal issues. They are now turning our focus to accessibility improvements to ensure that the site is as accessible as possible to all Kentuckians. Your feedback and the feedback of your constituents will help them make today's version of kyjustice.org even better.

They are reaching out to ask that you complete a survey about your experience on kyjustice.org. Before you start the survey, please explore www.kyjustice.org and make a note of its accessibility features and ease of navigation. Then, please complete the survey using the following link.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6P6R5CJ


Digital Access Basics in Action

Click above image to register.


Deaf-Blind Conference

This event is designed for teachers, professionals, interpreters, and administrators serving students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind. Click on the picture above to learn more and to register.


Participants Needed For A Free Speech Language Therapy Research Study

University of Louisville: Researchers in the Departments of Psychological & Brain Sciences and Otolaryngology and Communicative Disorders are inviting you to be in a study examining how children interact with speech-language pathologists (SLP) during online and in-person speech-language therapy sessions.

See the flyer for all the details.


Jeff Barish, World Adventurer Presentation


Gallaudet University Summer Programs

Campo Listo: ¡Medramos! - June 14-20, 2025

An exciting opportunity for Deaf Latine students entering 10th-12th grades to connect with their cultura and raíces. Come ready to dive into an amazing experience exploring heritage, strengthening identity, and building skills for a bright future. We thrive together! — ¡Medramos!

More about "Campo Listo: ¡Medramos!" here...


DC² in STEM! - June 14-20, 2025

Discover College and Careers (DC²) in STEM is designed for deaf and hard of hearing students entering grades 10-12. During this program, students will explore STEM-related fields, identify their strengths and interests through career assessments, and develop a transition portfolio. Students will also experience the vibrant Gallaudet campus and the excitement of Washington, D.C.!

More about "DC² in STEM!" here...


Financial Wizards - June 14-20, 2025

Financial Wizards Bootcamp returns for another summer! Financial Wizards is a week-long summer program for deaf or hard-of-hearing students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. The program aims to enhance their financial literacy skills and provides an opportunity to explore various careers in finance and administration.

More about "Financial Wizards" here...


Got Skills? - June 14-20, 2025

Be the creators of your own future and design a summer experience that’s all about YOU! Students will be empowered to create a personalized experience and choose from a variety of activities that match their interests and passions. Whether they’re into sports, arts, or exploring the nation’s capital, there’s something exciting for everyone.

More about "Got Skills?" here...


Bison Filmmakers - June 22-29, 2025

First ever Film Camp at Gallaudet University, is a unique opportunity tailored for deaf and hard of hearing students entering 10th – 12th grade. Participants will develop technical and creative skills in filmmaking, from concept to production, using Apple’s advanced technology and tools. This immersive experience meets the growing demand for expertise in the arts and technology, empowering campers with hands-on skills and encouraging their creative potential.

More about "Bison Filmmakers" here...


Discover College and Careers - June 22-29, 2025

Discover College and Careers (DC²) is tailored for deaf and hard of hearing students entering grades 10-12. Students should come ready to work on developing their transition plans, identifying their interests and skills through career assessments, and exploring potential careers within the program offerings in Gallaudet’s schools. Beyond academic exploration, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant student life at Gallaudet and experience Washington, D.C.!

More about "Discover College and Careers" here...


GenCyber - June 22-29, 2025

This is an exciting program in which students will explore the world of information technology and cybersecurity! This program is designed for deaf and hard of hearing students entering grades 9-12. In addition to the daytime program, students will have the opportunity to explore our Nation’s Capital, go to Six Flags, participate in fun evening program activities, and more!

More about "GenCyber" here...


Immerse Into ASL! - June 22-29, 2025

This exciting, 24/7 American Sign Language (ASL) immersion program is designed for new signers who are at the beginner or intermediate level. This program caters to deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing students entering 10th – 12th grade, motivated to learn ASL and immerse themselves in the deaf culture and history at Gallaudet, just minutes away from the nation’s capital. Hearing students are accepted if they pass our screening requirements and qualify as intermediate level or above signers.

More about "Immerse Into ASL!" here...


Tech Updates

Hearing Accessibility Tools Provided by Apple

Explore tools designed to enhance the sounds you hear or help you stay connected without hearing a sound. Check out all types of accessibility that Apple has to offer for those with hearing loss with various of equipment including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods!


"Moore Safe Nights" Weather Radio Distribution Program

Still Accepting Applications!

Are you a deaf or hard of hearing person living in Kentucky? Do you feel like you're always out of the loop when bad weather comes to your area? Would you like some peace of mind for when bad weather approaches you while you're sleeping?

Thanks to the partnership with Kentucky Emergency Management (KyEM); you now can apply for a free weather radio for the deaf and hard of hearing using our online application now!


PLEASE VISIT KCDHH’S

Calendar of Events

IF YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO LIST ON THE CALENDAR,
PLEASE EMAIL US AT: kcdhh@ky.gov


KCDHH Resources:

KCDHH

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.

KCDHH Commissioners

KCDHH Staff




KCDHH logo

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

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