Over 150 COVID-19 Vaccine Sites Open

 

On Thursday, February 11, Gov. Andy Beshear announced six new regional vaccination sites across the commonwealth and said vaccines will now also be available at mobile clinics, 10 Kroger stores, 15 Walmart stores and 125 pharmacies, including Walgreens and Good Neighbor independent pharmacies. In total, there are more than 150 vaccination sites in Kentucky in addition to local health department vaccination programs.

 

Kentuckians can visit the state's COVID-19 site or vaccine.ky.gov to learn more about signing up for appointments at locations across the Commonwealth.

 

Six New Regional COVID-19 Vaccine Sites

Kentuckians can see a full list of new regional sites here. Learn more about signing for appointments at all regional vaccination sites here.

 

Kroger Stores Offering COVID-19 Vaccines

Kentuckians can see a full list of Kroger store sites here.

Sign up for Kroger store vaccine appointments here.

 

Walmart Stores Offering COVID-19 Vaccines

Kentuckians can see a full list of Walmart sites here. Schedule here for Walmart store appointments, beginning Feb. 15, 2021 at 5 p.m. EST.

 

New Federal Pharmacy Program

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said approximately 13,000 additional first doses per week will be coming to Kentucky through 125 pharmacies. COVID-19 vaccines will be offered at 78 Walgreens branches and 47 Good Neighbor independent pharmacies aimed at serving vulnerable Kentuckians.

 

Individuals can sign up for Walgreens appointments here. Kentuckians will need to create a Walgreens account for scheduling opportunities.

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Kentuckian Shares Her Vaccine Experience

 

Jena White, a state employee from Kentucky, shared her experience receiving the COVID-19 vaccine with Deaf News, Daily Moth. Read the full text and watch the signed video here.

 

 

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White House Adds ASL Interpreter to Daily Briefings

 

On January 25, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced all daily press briefings will include an American Sign Language  (ASL) interpreter. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) called this an historic breakthrough after becoming one of five plantiffs to file suit against the White House compelling the use of ASL interpreters during Coronavirus related press briefings. Read about NAD’s efforts here.

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KATS “Accessiblity Matters” Cards Available

 

The Kentucky Assistive Technology Services (KATS) Network is pleased to offer an updated version of “Accessibility Matters” quick cards.  These free printable cards offer simple but often overlooked tips on how to make information in all forms accessible  to Kentuckians. The quick cards offer tips for Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Social Media, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Adobe InDesign. To read the blog by KATS, click here. To view the quick cards, click the card on the left.

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World Hearing Day, March 3, “Hearing for All!”

 

Hearing care for ALL! This is the theme of World Hearing Day, March 3, 2021. In 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated March 3 as World Hearing Day in order to raise awareness of the growing numbers of those experiencing hearing loss and the importance of hearing health care. In 2017, the National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders  stated that 48 million Americans experience some type of hearing loss. And, in 2020, the WHO stated that approximately 466 million people worldwide have  disabling hearing loss—34 million of these are children. It is  estimated that, by 2050, approximately 900 million people worldwide (one in every 10) will have disabling hearing loss. The numbers continue to grow annually. Click below for more information.

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NBDA Highlighted During Black History Month

 

As part of Black History Month, KCDHH highlights the National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA), who also celebrates its 30-year anniversary this year.

NBDA is the official advocacy organization for  black deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States promoting leadership development, economic and educational opportunities, social equality, and safeguarding the general health and welfare of black deaf and hard of hearing people.

Resources:

Black “Deaf” History Month

Black Deaf Culture Through the Lens of Black Deaf History

ASL Resources for Black History Month

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Kentucky DeaFestival Alum

WaWa Snipes’ Super Bowl Performance Goes Viral

KCDHH celebrates DeaFestival Alum Warren “Wawa” Snipe, who performed  the National Anthem and America the Beautiful in American Sign Language (ASL)  as part of the Super Bowl LV pregame in Tampa, Florida  on February 7.

The National Association of the Deaf wrote about Snipe saying, “Known affectionately by many as Wawa, he has been a trailblazer and an acclaimed recording artist in the Hip Hop world and developed his own niche: Dip Hop, which he defines as “Hip Hop through deaf eyes.”

Click the image below to watch WaWa’s Super Bowl performance at YouTube:

From the Washington, DC area, Wawa has been entertaining audiences since 2005 with positive reviews. In 2016, Wawa released an album, Deaf: So What?!, which was designed to showcase the appeal of music to all, including those who are deaf. In addition, Wawa is a well-regarded actor and has had a recurring role in the Black Lightning TV series. 

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COVID-19 Pandemic Resources

 

International:

World Health Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 

National:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Coronavirus.gov

What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws  

 

Kentucky:

Kentucky Governor News

The official Team Kentucky source for information concerning COVID-19

Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services COVID-19 Drive-Thru Locations

KSD Outreach/Resources for D&HH Students During COVID-19

KCDHH COVID-19 Important Links for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

KCDHH Facebook Page

Hearing Loss Association of America Kentucky Chapters

 

Apps:

For those who have deaf family members who use sign language, consider downloading Sorenson Wavello and/or the ZVRS Sivo   app on your smartphone. This app makes it possible for you to see your loved ones on your screen next to your interpreter.

 

Other KCDHH Resources:

 

KCDHH  

KCDHH’s Telecommunications Access Program (TAP)

Landline or wireless equipment for Kentucky residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired or have both a hearing and vision loss.

KCDHH Commissioners

KCDHH Staff