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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.