Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

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CLICK HERE FOR COVID RESOURCES

Black Lives Matter and the Deaf Community                                                                                  

ODHH stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
If you are interested in anti-racism resources, please visit this link.   

Truth--Social Justice - Services - RACIAL HEALING - Learn More...

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Click on the Calendar to go directly to ODHH's Calendar of Events Webpage.

       Calendar

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Accessibility Quick Links

 

 

 

 

 

Communication Access

Communication Access

Modalities & Education
Trainings for Service Providers
To request a training: cametrequest@dshs.wa.gov
Hearing Loss Awareness - A Common Problem for Older Adults
Hearing Aid Resources

Communication Technology

Communication Technology

Assistive Communication Technology
Telecommunication Equipment Distribution
Telecommunication Relay Services
 

Community Outreach

Community Outreach

Online Request Form to Post an Event
Calendar of Events
 
 

SLI Contracts & Resources

Sign Language Interpreter Contracts & Resources

List of Contractors
List of Certified Court Interpreters
Approved List of Interpreters and Rates 
How to Request ODHH Approved Interpreter
 
 

Social & Human Services

Social and Human Services

Client Advocacy Service
Bellingham
Seattle
Tacoma
Tri Cities
Vancouver
Yakima
Spokane
Statewide DeafBlind Services 

Training & Presentations

Training and Presentation

Trainings for Community Members
Community Training Announcements
To request a training: odhh@dshs.wa.gov

 

Washington Relay Captioned Telephone Service

Captioned Telephone (CapTel®) is a service that allows users to listen to their phone conversations while reading word-for-word captions of what’s said to them. Through the use of a uniquely designed CapTel phone, users speak directly to the other party while they listen and read what’s said on the bright, built-in display screen of the CapTel phone.

Click here to see the Washington Relay Captioned Telephone Service resource guide.   

For your information...

Hearing Aid Consumers

Click on this flier for information on wireless technology and hearing aids.

Hearing Aid Resources

The Telecoil - Connecting Directly to Sound

A telecoil can make a dramatic difference in your ability to hear clearly and understand dialogue.

Universal symbol that identifies a looped venue.

Medicaid Coverage for Hearing Aids Starts January 1, 2019

Approved by the legislature last year, coverage of hearing aids for adults on Medicaid will begin January 1, 2019.  The coverage limited, as it only restores coverage that existed before 2011, but it will give eligible adults some hearing aid coverage, where they have none at present.  People with 45 db or more hearing loss in their better ears will be eligible for one hearing aid.  This will be bundled with the hearing evaluation, ear mold and three follow-up visits to the provider.  New hearing aids may be obtained every five years.  Two hearing aids may be approved under certain circumstances and requires prior approval.

Cochlear Implant replacement and repair will also be covered and new CIs may be covered with prior approval. Batteries for hearing aids and CIs are not covered.

The WA Health Care Authority (HCA) is still developing the regulations for this coverage but will operate under interim "emergency" regulations until the final rules have gone through the internal review, public comment and adoption processes.  HCA will have a comprehensive web site with information including Frequently Asked Questions.

Contact: Jean Gowen, PA-C, MPH
Clinical Program Manager - Hearing Hardware Program
jean.gowen@hca.wa.gov

Did you know?

Americans with Disabilities Act Resources

Overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Americans with Disabilities Act (National Association of the Deaf)
https://www.nad.org/resources/civil-rights-laws/americans-with-disabilities-act/

(ASL Videos): Review of disability discrimination laws in ASL, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
http://www.adagreatlakes.org/ADA/ASL_Videos.asp

What is Effective Communication under the ADA?

ADA Requirements: Effective Communication (Dept. of Justice): https://www.ada.gov/effective-comm.htm

ADA National Network: Effective Communication: https://adata.org/factsheet/communication

Effective Communication: Health Care (Northwest ADA Center): http://nwadacenter.org/factsheet/effective-communication-healthcare

Health Care Providers (National Association of the Deaf): https://www.nad.org/resources/health-care-and-mental-health-services/health-care-providers/

Questions and Answers for Health Care Providers (National Association of the Deaf):
https://www.nad.org/resources/health-care-and-mental-health-services/health-care-providers/questions-and-answers-for-health-care-providers/

Employment Rights

Questions and Answers about Deafness and Hearing Impairments in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act (EEOC)
https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/deafness-and-hearing-impairments-workplace-and-americans-disabilities-act

Discrimination and Reasonable Accommodations (National Association of the Deaf)
https://www.nad.org/resources/employment-and-vocational-rehabilitation/discrimination-and-reasonable-accommodations/

ADA Information, Technical Assistance, and Training

Northwest ADA Center: http://nwadacenter.org/ 
Provides information, training, and guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act to Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
To learn more about the Northwest ADA Center: http://nwadacenter.org/about-us
800-949-4232
425-233-8913 (Videophone)
Email: nwadactr@uw.edu

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Mental Health Resources

Hearing Loss Association of Washington (HLAA-WA)

HLAA-WA is affiliated with the national organization called Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA).  HLAA-WA has a website with information to learn more about the latest technologies available and how to deal with different communication strategies: https://hearingloss-wa.org/

Hearing Loss Information

People with hearing loss who are oral and do not sign are often left out of the opportunity to socialize as their local community centers and senior centers are not “hearing friendly.” That is, they often lack the technology or fail to use even basic amplification of their programs where people who are hard of hearing might participate. There is one place where we know that people with hearing loss can be welcomed and know that their communication needs can be met. This would be a local HLAA chapter meeting.

If you are interested in starting a local HLAA chapter or hearing loss support group in your area please contact info@hearingloss-wa.org and share your ideas. We’d love to hear from you.

Public Videophone - CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Available to Community Members
Outgoing Calls Only

9 am - 4 pm
Lobby Area
Blake West Building
4450 - 10th Ave
Lacey, WA

VP Booth