Colorado Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

About Us
	Legislation
	Agenda for the Future
	Agency Goals & Objectives
	Staff

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

FY 2010 – FY 2012

Goal 1: Public Information

To serve as a clearinghouse for consumers, governmental agencies, private agencies, service providers, and the general public

Strategies

Develop a comprehensive electronic community resource directory.
Expand information dissemination via the website, conference exhibitions, video logs, listservs, and other means of print.
Update or develop information sheets, guides, and best-practice recommendations.
Provide communication awareness and sensitivity training sessions.

Goal 2: Telecommunications Equipment

To provide telecommunications equipment to qualifying citizens

Strategies

Perform outreach and educate the public about the availability of the Colorado Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (TEDP).
Develop customer service into a consumer-friendly model.
Ensure availability of the most current technology for use by consumers.
Ensure availability of a discounted fee program for low-income internet consumers.
Develop “hands-on” trainings and make them readily available.

Goal 3: Legal Auxiliary Services

• To provide auxiliary services and aids to the State Court System and consumers

Strategies

Implement and monitor efficient scheduling, accounting and auxiliary service provider oversight systems.
Educate consumers, auxiliary service providers, courts, and agencies (i.e. alcohol and drug treatment, probation) about the availability of auxiliary services and aids and their responsibility for effective communication.
Expand the pool of Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI’s) as well as Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) providers.
Expand the use of remote options (Video Remote Interpreting and remote CART)
Increase awareness and use of CDI’s and CART.

Goal 4: Resource and Technical Support
•
To promote compliance with federal, state, and local accessibility laws and regulations through collaboration and policy development efforts with consumers, governmental agencies, private agencies, program administrators and service providers to develop an effective system of services to deaf and hard of hearing individuals

Strategies

Provide technical assistance (education and training) and communication-accessibility assessments

Empower citizens to fully and equally access services, including education through support by resource specialists (client advocates)

NOTE: Resource specialists are not available for FY ’10 and beyond. The CCDHH will look for opportunities within the Department of Human Services and other agencies to ensure the continuation of the position.

Collaborate with stakeholders to implement policy changes and seek funding if necessary
Hold community forums to discuss a variety of issues and needs with stakeholders

Goal 5: Grant Program

• To administer grants which are available to local government, state agencies, state-operated programs, or private nonprofit or not-for-profit community-based organizations

Strategies

Develop the grant application guidelines through the rule-making process with the State Board of Human Services.
Determine priorities for funding of the projects (i.e. hearing aid bank, loop systems, law enforcement training, Public Access Videophones).
Set up and monitor effective evaluation system of the grantees.
Communicate with stakeholders and community members about the projects and the benefits they offer

Goal 6: State Standar d

•
To develop a strategic plan/action plan to improve communication access at all levels of government and community-based systems and provide support for systemic change
Strategies
·
Expand programs and services available for deaf/hard of hearing and blind citizens i.e. Support Service Providers (SSP).

· Expand programs and services available for aging deaf, deaf-blind, late-deafened and hard of hearing adults.

· Promote the development of specialized and communication-accessible programs for deaf and hard of hearing people who are developmentally disabled.

· Promote dedicated funding for the Independent Living programs for deaf and hard of hearing citizens.

· Study the existing resources to identify possible systemic improvements in the government system (auxiliary services provided in the Executive Branch of the government).