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February/March 2024

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IN THIS ISSUE

Language Deprivation Presentation 

Save the Date - Rulemaking | Mark Your Calendar

Language Deprivation

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CCDHHDB Director Cliff Moers stands in the middle of a stage platform introducing a male speaker that stands to his left while the leader of Rocky Deaf School stands to his right with an audience sitting in chairs in front of the platform

Image Description: Eileen Kratzer, Director of the Rocky Mountain Deaf School watches CCDHHDB Director Cliff Moers introduce Dr. Wyatte Hall on stage at RMDS. Dr. Hall spoke on Language Deprivation and provided data in regards to how it impacts children, especially deaf children.


On January 10, Dr. Wyatte Hall, from the University of Rochester, was invited by Rocky Mountain Deaf School (RMDS) to present on “Language Deprivation: What it means and the impact on Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Children and Adults.” The presentation was also sponsored by RMDS, Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind, Colorado Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, and the Denver Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. Wellpower and DOVE (Deaf Overcoming Violence through Empowerment) offered a wellness space as needed.


Image Description: Dr Wyatte Hall a young brunette with facial hair and glasses wears a colorful floral collared shirt under a dusky blue sweater and khaki pants with dark brown hiking boots during his presentation. He is standing in front of and points at evidence titled First Language Learning is both Biological and experience driven.


The presentation reviewed the social epidemic of language deprivation for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. More specifically, the relationship between early childhood language experiences and the quality of life outcomes across the lifespan of DHH populations. Participants appreciated the balanced approach of information, a review of relevant research findings, the presentation of detailed data, and the debunking of erroneous claims regarding sign language and language acquisition.


The event was well-attended with over 70 people in the audience including families of DHH children, community members, and professionals. For more information about Dr. Hall visit the University of Rochester Medical Center website.


Director Cliff Moers communicates with audience members and Colorados lead ASL English Interpreter Christine Pendley voices for his signs

Image Description: Director Cliff Moers communicates with Doctor Dawna Hayes and Allyson Drayton from the Colorado Department of Human Services in his native language, American Sign Language (ASL). Colorado's lead ASL/English Interpreter. Christine Pendley, voices for his signs allowing equal access for conversation and effective communication.

Save the Date!

View in ASL

Rulemaking Hearing

Friday, February 9, 2024

9-11 a.m.

(final time to be determined)


Rulemaking Meeting Link


Please Note: This rulemaking link is an open-ended link and is used regularly for rulemaking meetings. Use this link at time of the scheduled meeting only.

Horse on a snowy field is making a face at the camera and dark blue text highlighted with yellow is on lime green background saying Hold Your Horses with the CCDHHDB logo

Image Description: Horse making a face at the camera with blue and yellow text on lime green background saying "Hold Your Horses" followed by the CCDHHDB logo.

Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind staff will:

  • Present the proposed rule for the Rural Auxiliary Services program (to be renamed Rural Communication Access Services) program.
  • Present on an emergency rulemaking for the Communications Technology Program to update the Federal Poverty Guidelines. See the Communications Technology Program Webpage under the Rules and Regulations tab for information on how this impacts the program.


2024 proposed Federal Poverty Guidelines

The 2024 proposed Federal Poverty Guidelines are as follows:

Family Size

100% Federal Poverty Guidelines

400% Federal Poverty Guidelines

1

$15,060

$60,240

2

$20,440

$81,760

3

$25,820

$103,280

4

$31,200

$124,800

5

$36,580

$146,320

6

$41,960

$167,840

7

$47,340

$189,360

8

$52,720

$210,880

each additional person:

$5,380

$21,520

Accessibility

ASL/English interpretation and CART will be provided as well as automatic Zoom closed captioning. To request any other accommodations, contact office.ccdhhdb@state.co.us


Contact

Email office.ccdhhdb@state.co.us

Call 720-457-3679

Mark Your Calendar

DeafBlind Citizens Council Meeting

View in ASL

Next meeting - Thursday, February 8, 2023

3:30-5:30 p.m.

Online Zoom registration is required


The DeafBlind Advisory Council Meeting is typically held every other month on the third Thursday. (This month it was moved due to scheduling issues) Anyone is welcome to attend whether they are deafblind themselves, a family member, a professional working with deafblind individuals, or a stakeholder of the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind communities.  



Send RSVP to eleanor.carlson@state.co.us 

Send interpreter or SSP requests to dbs.ccdhhdb@state.co.us



Quarterly Commission Meeting 

View in ASL

Next meeting - Wednesday, March 6, 2024 

4-6 p.m.

Online Zoom registration is required 


ASL interpretation and CART will be provided. Deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind individuals, members of the public, professionals working with the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind communities, and any other interested stakeholders are more than welcome to attend! 



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