Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

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ASL Interpreter Shortage Workgroup Application Open - YouTube

We have created an application for community members to apply to join the ASL interpreter shortage workgroup. This workgroup will begin in late August or early September 2024 and will continue to meet virtually 2 times a month throughout June 30, 2025.

The workgroup will be working closely with the Program Coordinator on data collection efforts, brainstorming on potential solutions, and to partner with other community organizations on this issue.

We will offer compensation for participating in this workgroup. There will be 26 hours of scheduled meeting times plus possibly more hours of meetings if needed. The application will remain open until August 2024. If you have any questions about the application, please email Morgan Jericho at morgan.jericho@dshs.wa.gov. He will respond to your questions about what the application is asking for and what the workgroup project participation will look like.

Anyone can apply to join this workgroup. We have specific slots to fill that align with the HB 2221. To apply, click here


Community Meetings Announcement - YouTube 

Video Transcription

Updates for Case Management Services - Click here to see the FAQs

Community Calendar
 


ODHH April 2024 Update

Video Transcription
 

DSHS Logo and red play icon on blue background. Watch ODHH Update in ASL


Employee Recognition: Kelly Robison and Lucas Doelman

Video Transcription

DSHS Logo and red play icon on blue background. Watch ODHH Update in ASL

 


 

Image of a calendar. On top, solid background in red with white text, Calendar. Below is rows in days of numbers.
Calendar of Events
Check out the list of upcoming workshops
If you have an event you would like to include on our calendar, please use the online form. Be sure to read our guidelines and procedures.

 


What We Do

The Office of the Deaf and Hard of  Hearing (ODHH) offers programs and services for Deaf, DeafBlind, Deafdisabled, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and Speech Disabled individuals, their families, and service providers in Washington State. We work to ensure that services and resources are accessible and inclusive to our diverse communities.

ODHH Factsheet - English

ODHH Factsheet - Russian

Transforming Lives

Supporting and providing services to individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, Deafdisabled, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened or Speech Disabled.


Contact Us                                                                                                                                    two people chatting in sign language at a park

PHONE:
360-339-7382 (Videophone) is discontinued. A new VP number will be announced soon.
Contact Staff   (Videophone)
800-422-7930 (Voice/TTY)
360-725-3450 (Voice)
360-725-3456 (Fax)
 

Accessible Communication

Image Description: Sign Language Interpreting Logo, square shaped with solid black background with hands in white signing "interpreter". 

Image with sold black background with two hands in white signing "interpreter"

Washington government agencies provide sign language interpreters and communication facilitators upon request to individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing. We monitor compliance, service quality, and interpreter certification. We strive to adhere to best practices. We work to create a more accessible and inclusive state government for all citizens.


Accessible TechnologyCurly hair child waving to the laptop

How do we make communication possible

for everyone in Washington State? We provide equipment, training, and support. 

You can receive a wide range of equipment and services, from amplified phones, to iPhones and iPads with special apps, and assistive technologies! These are provided through:

•     Telecommunication Equipment Program (TED)

•     Telecommunication Relay Service (TRS)

•     Assistive Communication Technology (ACT)


Client Advocacy Services

We collaborate with Regional Service Centers and with the DeafBlind Service Center to advocate for equitable social and human services.

Through our relationships, we provide:

• Information and Referral

• Community Education & Training


Community Outreach

We work to support Washingtonians in forming meaningful connections between people, organizations, and resources. We work with the public to meet your communication needs, provide training and referrals to education resources, and support information requests and we provide consultation services to individuals with hearing loss and their service providers.

Photo taken by Shane Rounce. View looking up the tree with several hands next to each other.

Credit: Shane Rounce