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. 1
January 2025


Kentucky Driver's License Vision Screening Requirement

Starting January 1, 2025, all Kentuckians must undergo a vision screening to renew their driver’s license. This new requirement aims to promote highway safety by ensuring that all drivers maintain good vision throughout their driving career.

Check out the Fact Sheet to learn more about the vision screening requirement.

Keep an eye on KCDHH’s website and social media for ASL/captioned videos explaining about the vision screening requirement.


KHS Celebrates Black History Month

Kentucky Historical Society: Black History Month

Each and every day, the Kentucky Historical Society celebrates historic contributions of Kentuckians from across the Commonwealth. The resources we offer provide perspective and context to both historical and current events through a wide range of topics, and they represent the work of both KHS and our partner organizations.

To celebrate Black History Month, KHS features "History Makers – Past & Present." It is our mission to educate and engage through Kentucky history in order to meet the challenges of the future, and we hope these Kentuckians continue to inspire others to seek a more inclusive and equitable path forward.

The Kentucky Historical Society is dedicated to providing historic perspective and context to current events, especially as we look to end racial injustice and systemic racism. The resources offered in the article cover a wide range of topics and represent the work of programs across our agency and partnering organizations.


NASDSE Guidelines Webinar

Click above image to register.


Kentucky Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies (CAK) are set to begin accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Crisis component from January 7 until March 15, 2025, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

This program assists eligible households facing a home heating emergency, such as imminent loss of heat, low fuel supply, or eviction due to unpaid utility bills.

Kentucky’s Community Action Network collectively operates outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties. To apply, contact your local Community Action Agency office or call 800-456-3452. Visit this webpage to find the office nearest to you.


Digital Access Basics in Action

To register for virtual training, click on the picture above.


Survey for VRS Interpreters

Carrie Wilbert is a doctoral candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at the University of Iowa. She invites you to participate in a qualitative research study that will explore the experiences of sign language interpreters and their experiences with work stress and mental health counseling.

Your participation in this research will involve taking part in

  1. A pre-interview demographics questionnaire (15 minutes),
  2. a virtual individual interview (90 minutes) and
  3. a follow up meeting to review the transcript of your interview and writing responses to two open-ended questions (30 minutes).

To be eligible for the study:

This research study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Iowa. To protect your confidentiality, they will use pseudonyms and collect personal information only directly needed to conduct the study. Taking part in this research study is completely voluntary. You can decide not to be in this study, and decide to stop participating at any time, without any penalty. If you are willing to participate in the study, please click here to review the consent document and complete a demographic questionnaire. It will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.


Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC)

Kentuckians with disabilities could be approved for a zero percent interest and no application fee "mini loan" through the Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC) in partnership with the Appalachian Assistive Technology Loan Corporation. These loans can range from $100 to $7,000 for assistive technology. The maximum repayment term is 4 years.

For more information about the loans, FAQs, and the application, please go to this page at KATLC's website.


Introducing Stephen Delaney at AVOL Kentucky

Stephen Delaney is the Trilingual PrEP Navigator at AVOL Kentucky, Inc. At AVOL, they are dedicated to reducing the impact of HIV and promoting health equity for underserved communities across Kentucky, including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

Fluent in ASL, English, and Spanish, he works to ensure that HIV prevention, education, and support services are accessible and culturally appropriate for individuals who may face additional barriers to care.

AVOL’s Services Include:

They believe that no one should face barriers when accessing HIV prevention and care.

His contact information is as follows:

Stephen Delaney, Trilingual PrEP Navigator
Email: stephen@avolky.org
Tele: 859-207-2505


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...


"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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