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Office of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Transforming Lives Through Accessible Communication

November 9, 2023

Image description: DSHS and ODHH Logo on blue background. November 2023 Newsletter. Red "play" icon to watch in ASL.

November 2023 Newsletter

November is a time to honor and recognize the services that family caregivers provide in Washington state.

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It's National Long-Term Care Awareness Month, a month-long observance that brings attention to the long-term care needs of seniors and people with disabilities. We appreciate and support family caregivers for all they do for families in need of their services.

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There are more than 840,000 family caregivers across the state spread throughout rural, urban, and tribal communities. As we recognize our family caregivers and National American Indian Heritage Month, it is important to remember the vital role that family caregivers play in our communities.

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Whether it's kinship caregivers in tribal communities or family caregivers caring for relatives, we recognize that kinship and family caregivers are often unsung heroes who

provide critical support and care to loved ones.

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The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) values and supports the many caregiver programs and services that ALTSA provides for caregivers, seniors, and people with disabilities. These programs support individuals and families to live with good health, independence, and dignity. ODHH collaborates with and partners with long-term supports and services to enhance accessibility and empower Washington communities.

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We offer communication accessibility equipment, Community education, and outreach to support communication access statewide. and to enhance public awareness and understanding of people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing. Additionally, we also collaborate with governmental, business, and community stakeholders to develop and implement policies, programs, and initiatives that address and ensure that services and resources are accessible and inclusive to all Washingtonians.

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On November 4, Director Earnest Covington III presented on statewide community services at the WSAD conference in Ellensburg.?

On November 14 training and presentations program manager Elizabeth Luttrell and Jim House, disability integration manager of the Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning (CIEP) will give a joint presentation on Emergency Preparedness to Vancouver Deaf Seniors.

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House stated ?The Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning (CIEP) is pleased to partner with ODHH on this vital project.?CIEP is a statewide advisory group under the Washington State Independent Living Council (WASILC). Access to life-saving information is a key element in surviving a disaster, whether it is a wildfire, a flood, an earthquake, or even something like a boil water alert. The videos fill a long-standing gap in communications before, during, and after disasters while mitigating adverse impacts on the whole community as everyone has access to emergency news in a language they can understand and respond to accordingly.?

ODHH Employee Spotlight

Image description: White woman with medium length brown hair, wearing glasses and a maroon sweater.

The November 2023 Spotlight features Maggie Campbell, who has worked for the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for approximately two years. Maggie has served in various capacities in state services since October 21, 2013, and now works with our office.? We selected Maggie for this month?s spotlight to recognize her outstanding capacity and capabilities within our team. Maggie serves within our office as the Hard of Hearing Consultation and Resource Program Manager.

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Maggie?s work entails coordination and education for state services. She works to ensure that the target communities that our office serves have equitable access to services whether that is in state services or in partnership with stakeholders throughout the state. She works to make sure that services are accessible and to assure that people have their needs met through the accessible technology program. Maggie hosts workshops and training sessions throughout the state and invites and educates people on processes to understand how to access resources and services to improve their own workplaces for Deaf and DeafBlind staff.

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We receive many complimentary kudos for Maggie?s work. We frequently hear positive comments about her excellent work and her outstanding ability to interact and build good, strong relationships. We are pleased to be able to work alongside Maggie and recognize that we are very fortunate to have her as a part of this team.

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Maggie?s commitment to continuing improvement and her commitment to the ALTSA and DSHS mission to transform lives as she trains, educates, and offers her services is outstanding. We recognize and thank Maggie for her contributions, passion, and dedication to ensuring equitable access to services.

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We are grateful for the opportunity to highlight Maggie for this month. Congratulations, and thank you!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Download the Latinx History Month presentation

In October, the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with recognition of these Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing leaders. Email Elizabeth Luttrell to nominate people who you think are deserving of recognition for next year!

Programs and Services

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About

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Who We Are?The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) provides programs and services for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and Speech Disabled individuals, their families, and service providers in Washington State. ODHH works to ensure that services and resources are accessible and inclusive to all Washingtonians.

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What We Do?ODHH operates under the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and is entrusted with fulfilling its legislative mandate outlined in RCW 43.20A.725. ODHH?s work includes:

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Advocacy: ODHH advocates for the rights, interests, and needs of individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and Speech Disabled. The Office works to eliminate communication barriers and promote equal opportunities in various service areas, including training, consultation, contract management, information and referrals, and resources to promote communication equity.

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Coordination:?ODHH is a centralized resource. The Office collaborates with governmental, business, and community stakeholders to develop and implement policies, programs, and initiatives that address and ensure that state services and resources are accessible and inclusive to all Washingtonians.

Contact Us!

800-422-7930?Voice

360-339-7382 VP

[email protected]