Lawmakers hear hours of testimony on deaf and blind services; advocates urge a state commission and funding for interpreters

Summary

Dozens of witnesses told the Joint Appropriations Committee that services for deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind and low-vision residents are fragmented and under-resourced; advocates urged a commission—some asked for separate deaf and blind commissions—and cited a critical shortage of certified interpreters and low state FTE pay.

Lawmakers spent the better part of an afternoon hearing from dozens of advocates, professionals and residents about gaps in access for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision, and whether a state-level commission could help coordinate services.

Multiple witnesses described failures in everyday access. Chelsea Ellertson of Deaf Intervention Services recounted missed or unreliable video-remote interpreting (VRI) in emergency departments that left patients without timely communication during care. One speaker said an interpreter screen repeatedly failed while a surgery was being cleared; another recounted being arrested and held overnight with inadequate access to interpretation and then appearing in court without an interpreter.

Workforce and agency panels detailed capacity limits and funding…

Lawmakers hear hours of testimony on deaf and blind services; advocates urge a state commission and funding for interpreters

Summary

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