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. 3
March 2025

Legislative Updates 2025

Support Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children in Kentucky!

Please call your state legislators today and ask them to support Senate Bill 93, which will expand insurance coverage for hearing aids to include all children covered under a policy. No child should go without the help they need just because of gaps in coverage!

While you have them on the phone, tell your representatives to also support House Bill 39, which will increase the number of licensed K-12 interpreters in Kentucky. Too many deaf and hard of hearing students struggle with access to effective communication at school due to a lack of skilled interpreters—this bill will help ensure they get the access they deserve by allowing qualified K-12 educational interpreters to get a Kentucky license.

Find your legislators and call now!


Gallery of Kentucky Youth Voices:
Sharing Lived Experience Through Art

The Gallery of Kentucky Youth Voices is designed to raise understanding of the benefits of art as means of creative expression for those living with mental health and/or substance use conditions to tell their stories and promote messages of wellbeing. Through art, we can help reduce stigma and encourage greater understanding and support for those on a journey to wellness.

The Gallery of Kentucky Youth Voices will showcase both digital and physical artwork displays during the 2025 Children’s Behavioral Health Acceptance Day event in Frankfort, Kentucky, on May 8, 2025. Selected works of art will be displayed on the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities website and will be permanently displayed at the department’s Frankfort office.

Click the following link to automatically download the PDF file containing more information and signup:
More information and fillable sign up form


3rd annual DeafBlind Day on the Hill

NFADB: DeafBlind on the Hill

The National Family Association for DeafBlind (NFADB) welcomes you to their 3rd annual DeafBlind Day on the Hill.

Family organizations and/or family leaders interested in supporting their DeafBlind loved ones are encouraged to join them! They will unite to advocate and educate legislators nationwide on issues specific to individuals who are DeafBlind.

They will be meeting in Washington DC if you are able to join them in person between March 25 - 27, 2025, with the official "Day on the Hill" being March 26, 2025. If you are unable to travel to Washington DC, you can still participate and advocate via Zoom meetings with legislators virtually, or in their local state offices.

For more information, visit their website!


KyRID Spring 2025 Conference

This weekend is designed to demystify the work done in legal and quasi-legal settings. Sponsored by KyRID and the Office of Language Access under the Administrative Office of the Courts of Kentucky.

Registration


Deaf Night Out

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Questions? Send an email now.


KyRID Presents: Interpreting for a Changing Community

Examine the evolving sign language landscape and its implications for ASL interpreters and Deaf advocates. Learn about new sign terminology used by New Deaf Americans from diverse backgrounds, including refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers, and explore common interpreting dilemmas and learn practical tips for effective communication.

Members: $20; NonMembers: $40

Registration


Kentucky Hands & Voices SuperHEARo 5K

Join them for the 8th annual SuperHEARo 5K on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The 5K (a timed event) will take place at 9:00am shortly followed by the 1.5 Mile Fun Run (non-timed event) at 9:05am. In addition to an in-person event at White Hall State Historic Site, they will also have a virtual option so you can join them from near or far! Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero. Packet pick-up will be available at Surge Screenprinting on Friday, May 16th from 11:30am-1:30pm or prior to the race on Saturday beginning at 8:00am.

Awards will be given for Top 3 Overall Male & Female Finishers as well as Top 3 Male & Female in varying age groups. The Best Dressed Male & Female Superheroes and Best Dressed Wonder Pet will also receive awards!

More info and signup here.


Family Learning Vacation

Kentucky School for the Deaf Outreach: Join them for a one-day interactive event dedicated to empowering children with hearing loss and their families with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate emergencies with confidence.

See the flyer for more info


Deaf or Hard of Hearing African Americans Needed for a Study

African American Particiapnts Needed for a Study

Interested in Participating? Contact Traci A. Howell, a graduate student at Troy University at tsmith29341@troy.edu


Reminder: Gallaudet University Summer Programs

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

DC² in STEM! - June 14-20, 2025

Financial Wizards - June 14-20, 2025

Got Skills? - June 14-20, 2025

Bison Filmmakers - June 22-29, 2025

Discover College and Careers - June 22-29, 2025

GenCyber - June 22-29, 2025

Immerse Into ASL! - June 22-29, 2025


Tech Updates

Accessibility Features Provided by Amazon

Amazon has implemented several accessibility features to assist users who are deaf or hard of hearing, enhancing the usability of their devices and services. Features includes interacting with Alexa by touch, Alexa Call Captioning, Real Time Text and Translation, and many more! Explore the article for more accessibility features!


"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!




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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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