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Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS)
New Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services website coming soon!
Vision
All Vermonters regardless of level of hearing loss shall have access to the full range of services offered at Agency of Human Service (AHS).
What’s the purpose for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services?
- There are 625,935 people living in Vermont.
- Approximately 2,000 people are Deaf.
- Approximately 56,000 are Hard of Hearing
- Total people with hearing loss living in Vermont: 58,000
DHHS serves these individuals with hearing loss to ensure they have equal access to the services of all departments, divisions and programs within AHS.
System Advocacy
- Work closely with department Commissioners/Directors to ensure all programs/services within Agency of Human Services (AHS) and other agencies are accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing customers and are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Act as point person between AHS and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community by sharing information on services, training opportunities, public hearings and other information offered within AHS that may benefit the community.
- Work closely with different department Commissioners/Directors in modifying policies related to accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing customers.
- Participate in boards to address needs for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
- Identify gaps in service and develop programs to meet such gaps.
Information/Referral
- Provide resources on hearing loss to AHS staff, parents, teachers, and other service providers.
- Provide education/training on hearing loss to AHS staff on interpreter issues, assistive devices, Deaf Culture, communication tips, etc.
- Advise on difficult cases to AHS staff to ensure that the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened and Deaf Blind are receiving appropriate service.
Publications
- Guide for Families of Infants and Children with Hearing Loss-Birth to 3 (2008)
This booklet attempts to provide some basic information to help families understand hearing loss and to learn about the support and services that are available to them.
- Deaf
and Hard of Hearing Resource Booklet (February 2007) (Updated January 2008)
Desk Referral Guide for Communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals
- Needs Assessment for Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind (2008)
In the Spring of 2007, the director of Vermont’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services convened an informal Task Force to assess the needs of individuals who are Deaf-Blind and to find ways to address gaps in services. The Task Force held a Needs Assessment Forum that would offer an opportunity for individuals who are Deaf-Blind to openly express their needs and concerns in a fully accessible environment. This is a summary of findings from the Forum.
Training
- Sensitivity Training on Hearing Loss
Sensitivity Training on Hearing Loss is given to increase better understanding of the various communication needs and cultural diversity of deaf and hard of hearing individuals and become familiar with resources to accommodate these needs and provide accessible service.
- American Sign Language (ASL) Classes Informational Sheet
An informational listing of ASL classes being held around the state of Vermont.
Upcoming Events
A listing of Upcoming Events can be downloaded here.Helpful Resources
- Association of Late Deafened Adults (ALDA)
Association of Late Deafened Adults provides support and empowerment to individuals who lose their hearing in later life.
- Deaf Vermont
Deaf Vermont provides information on social events, conferences/workshops, and other happenings within the Vermont Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.
- Gallaudet University
Is the only liberal arts university in the world for the deaf and hard of hearing.
- Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
Hearing Loss Association of America provides resources, advocacy, research, public awareness and service delivery related to hearing loss on national and global level.
- Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VCDHH)
Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides wide range of services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
- Vermont Center on Independent Living (VCIL)
Vermont Center on Independent Living provides peer counseling, advocacy, resources etc. for individuals with disabilities.
- Vermont Relay Service
The Vermont Telecommunications Relay Service is a free service for all Vermonters, connecting deaf, hard-of hearing, deaf-blind and speech-disabled individuals with users of regular telephones. Whether calling on a standard telephone or a text telephone (TTY, a special phone with a typewriter-style keyboard), relay makes communication simple, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Vermont Interpreter Referral Services (VIRS)
The Vermont Interpreter Referral Service provides statewide interpreter and CART referral services for American Sign Language (ASL)/spoken English/oral interpreting assignments in settings such as medical, legal, mental health, employment, educational, civil and recreational situations.
- VocRehab
VocRehab assists with employment, training, support etc.
- Vermont Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Vermont Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf has information on interpreting related workshops, conferences, mentorship, etc.
- Vermont Statewide Independent Living Council (VTSILC)
The Vermont Statewide Independent Living Council exists to advance the equality with which people with disabilities enjoy, participate in and contribute to the lives of their communities, families and friends.
Contact Information
- Carrie Foster, Director
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
Agency of Human Services
Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
103 South Main Street, Weeks Building
Waterbury, VT 05671-1601
- Phone Numbers:
Voice Phone: 1-800-878-5209
Video Phone: 802-241-4532
TTY: 802-241-3557
Fax: 802-241-2325
Please note: When using the term Deaf and Hard of Hearing this also includes Late Deafened and Deaf Blind individuals.
