ODHH strongly condemns the escalating violent attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. With hate crimes, harassment, and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders on the rise in the United States, we absolutely condemn these actions and unequivocally stand in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities against violence. #StopAsianHate
Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) - Resources for COVID-19 Health, Safety and Recovery Plans in ASL – American Sign Language
YouTube: Important COVID-19 Information (ASL)
DSHS website: ASL - American Sign Language | DSHS (wa.gov)
Click here for COVID resources
Accessibility Quick Links
- Assistive Communication Technology
- Communication Access Real Time Translation (CART)
- Captioning and CART
- Sign Language Interpreters
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Communication AccessTrainings for Service Providers
To request a training: cametrequest@dshs.wa.gov
Hearing Loss Awareness - A Common Problem for Older Adults
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Communication Technology |
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Sign Language Interpreter
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Social and Human Services
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Training and PresentationTrainings for Community Members
To request a training: odhh@dshs.wa.gov
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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...
FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
Americans with Disabilities Act
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): https://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: https://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: https://nwadacenter.org/about-us
800-949-4232
425-233-8913 (Videophone)
Email: nwadactr@uw.edu
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Mental Health Resources
- Washington State Online Directory for Mental Health Providers serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- The National Coalition on Mental Health and Deaf Individuals
- Deaf Community Mental Health and Barriers to Care
- National Association of the Deaf - Mental Health Services
- Hearing Loss Association of America – Mental Health Resources
Hearing Aid Consumers
Click on this flier for information on wireless technology and hearing aids.
Hearing Aid Resources
- Chapter 18.35 RCW Hearing and Speech Services
- Hearing Aids Purchasers' Rights RCW 18.35.185
- Hearing aids - General - For clients twenty years of age and younger WAC 182-547-0100
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.
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
The Telecoil - Connecting Directly to Sound
A telecoil can make a dramatic difference in your ability to hear clearly and understand dialogue.
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.
ODHH Staff are Currently Teleworking
The Safe Start Project, under the direction of Governor Jay Inslee, is Washington State’s organized response to COVID-19. This project is a phased approach that is focused on the health and safety of our staff and clients. Per Safe Start Project Phase One recommendations approved by DSHS Secretary Cheryl Strange, ODHH Staff will continue to telework as the primary mode of operation through June 30, 2021. We are still available to serve you via phone, VP, email and videoconferencing, but our physical offices remain closed to protect our staff and constituents from the spread of COVID-19. You can reach us at our general email address: odhh@dshs.wa.gov or check the Staff Members page for our individual email addresses and VP numbers: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/odhh/odhh-staff.
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
