Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
To ensure that the variety of life's choices and equal opportunities are available to all Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing people.
The Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) provides information and referral services on a variety of topics tailored to the unique needs of Deaf, Deaf-Blind, or hard of hearing residents, including, but not limited to the following:
- Available Technologies for Accessibility
- Community Services and Resources
- Communicating with People Who Are Deaf, hard of hearing and Deaf-Blind
ODHH provides free in-service training or presentations and consultations. Staff can advise and assist in making services accessible to the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and hard of hearing communities. ODHH works with all tribes in the state of Wisconsin.
What is equal access for people who are Deaf, hard of hearing and Deaf-Blind?
Required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Equal Communications Access is communication made possible by auxiliary aids and services so that people who are Deaf, Def-Blind and hard of hearing can participate in and benefit from services, programs and other opportunities. Communication Access is also required by other federal and state laws, administrative rules and many professional standards.
ODHH works to promote equal communication access in the following systems:
- Legal
- Medical
- Emergency Care
- Emergency Response
- Mental Health
- Educational
- Long-Term Care
- Government
- Employment
- Vocational
- Private, Public, and Commercial Entities