January Message:

“Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.”  - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

 

2024 will be a profoundly transformative time for the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. 

The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) is exploring new ideas to maximize services for the Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and Speech Disabled communities we serve.  

The Office has taken strides in taking community feedback on access to information, in particular relating to the legislative process. We recently launched a legislative update video series to make information accessible and inclusive for voters on YouTube. We are implementing new ways of providing resources and support to the community. To see our YouTube channel, and subscribe, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonstateodhh. 

ODHH is going through with a lot of changes with establishing new Case Management services and expanding staffing to be able to provide a greater depth of services statewide. We are also excited to share that Case Management services is growing! A new Community Resources Program Manager will be joining March 1, 2024. The new team member will be working with ODHH and Case Management services to update, develop, and distribute information on a variety of resources that can support individuals and communities. ODHH has long been a hub of information, and this position will ensure that the information is up to date, add new resources, and create an easy-to-use library.  

 

Our new Case Management Services has been providing direct services to the Vancouver area since November 1, 2023, and it is off to a great start! The transition from contracted case management services to direct services is complete, and we have seen the number of individuals seeking support continue to grow. The word is getting out; community members and organizations are reaching out to learn more about our expanded services! A new Case Manager will join Lead Case Manager Jonah Thompson to grow services the Vancouver area later this spring.  

And for Spokane and the surrounding areas, a new Case Manager position has also been posted (LINK). Fingers crossed to have a new person in place by mid-March! The team expects to continue to grow through spring and summer throughout the state. In the case management transformation, we are working on expanding service support for deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing senior citizens. 

2024 Legislative Session 

The 2024 legislative session, which runs from January 8th to March 7th this year, is a short session this year. This means that legislators have only 60 days to review and vote on bills that affect our state and our communities. Some of the key issues that will be discussed in this session include issues that will impact Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Speech Disabled residents.   

Prepare yourself to monitor bills that interest you. Legislators want to hear from you. Send comments to them through different ways and make your message be heard by legislators. Help them incorporate your feedback into their decision-making processes. There are several ways you can participate in the legislative process and make your needs heard.  

Visit the Washington State Legislature website to find your district, your legislators, and the bills they are sponsoring or co-sponsoring. You can make comments on those bills directly on the Washington State Legislature website. 

Sign up for email updates from your legislators and the committees they serve on. 

Watch or listen to live or archived hearings and floor sessions on TVW, the state’s public affairs network. New for 2024 Legislative Session: ASL Interpretation Pilot for Committee Hearings     

Submit written or oral testimony on bills that interest or affect you.   

Contact your legislators directly by phone, email, or mail to share your opinions and concerns.  

We appreciate your involvement and input as we work together to address the challenges and opportunities facing our state. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or suggestions.  

Interpreter and Language Access Commission Seeking Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing Member  

 

The Washington State Supreme Court is seeking a person who is Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing to become a member of the Interpreter and Language Access Commission to provide guidance to the Court on policies and court practices affecting access to interpreters, court programs, and court services. Please see the ASL-interpreted and captioned video message from Interpreter and Language Access Commission Chairperson Judge Michael Díaz (above).

 

Interested persons are encouraged to send a letter of interest and resume to James Wells by February 16, 2024, to this email address: [email protected].

 

For more information about the Interpreter and Language Access Commission: Washington State Courts - Court Interpreters

Deaf Interpreter and Hearing Interpreter Mentoring  

Hello Interpreters, 

We are excited to announce virtual mentoring sessions for HI/DI teams in the spring The mentoring sessions are being planned and facilitated by The Insightful Interpreter and their wonderful team of facilitators, coordinated by A2Z Interpreting, and are sponsored by the WA State Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH). These virtual sessions will focus on the work of Deaf/Hearing interpreter teams. These four monthly sessions will meet on Zoom and will include a mix of skills practice, discussion, and case conferencing. The group will be facilitated by a Deaf/Hearing team of presenters, and additional resources will be made available in response to group discussions.  

Here are the details: 

Amanda is a certified, professional interpreter and interpreter educator focusing on reflective practice. She is a Professor at Western Oregon University and continues to engage in private practice as an interpreter. Current research interests include examining the nature of the gap between graduation and certification and the impact of professional’s intrapersonal landscape on their practice. She strives to support and equip working interpreters with tools to improve the experiences of consumers. 

 

Terry Dockter, QDI, ASLPI-5, Washington Court Certified Deaf Interpreter 

Terry Dockter is a Deaf interpreter with over 38 years of experience. Born in Bismarck, N.D. and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Terry attended both Oregon and Washington Schools for the Deaf and was surrounded by Deaf immediate and extended family. Terry is passionate about connecting with people, and has worked as an interpreter, advocate, and on-the-job trainer in a variety of capacities, including contracting with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Developmental Disabilities, and the Lighthouse for the Blind. He also spent 5 years working with Deaf students in Alaska, opening their minds through exposure to American Sign Language. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Terry has worked extensively with the governor of Washington to interpret press conferences and televised addresses. Terry lives with his wife, Cammi, near Seattle; between the two of them they have four children. He is an avid collector of old cars and motorcycles, and an artist who enjoys photography, drawing, painting, and sculpture. 

 

Ellie Savidge, CDI, M.A. Intercultural Relations 

Ellie Savidge has had a variety of roles as an interpreter, advocate, consultant, mentor, coach, ASL Instructor, and Interpreter educator. After several years at Microsoft working to improve the employee experience for Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees, Ellie now works as an interpreter, coach, and consultant. She is a CDI and holds a M.A. degree in Intercultural Relations from Antioch University. 

We hope you can join us! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ashley with any questions at [email protected].