Objective

Public Awareness
To encourage, participate in, and conduct studies and research on issues related to the deaf and hard of hearing.

Community Outreach
To provide community outreach, training and education to the public and private sectors, including businesses, schools, and governmental entities on issues related to the deaf and hard of hearing.

To work with public and private entities, including community and four-year colleges and universities.

Communication Services
To work to make interpreter services available to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

To maintain a registry of available and qualified interpreters in State.

To increase the number of qualified interpreters in the State.

Advocacy
To serve as a collection point and clearinghouse for information and data related to deafness and hard of hearing, including program and service options available to adults and children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

To provide advice and information to the State Legislature.

To discharge such other duties, responsibilities, and powers as are necessary to implement the provisions