Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet's Press Release

During National Deaf Awareness Month,
Team Kentucky Highlights the Importance of Hearing Health

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 19, 2025) – September is National Deaf Awareness Month, and with approximately 700,000 Kentuckians experiencing some degree of hearing loss, Gov. Beshear and the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) are encouraging both private and public entities to promote hearing health, ensure access to communication, and support all Kentuckians with hearing loss.

Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting communication, education, employment, safety and health across the state. Yet many individuals still face barriers to timely screening, diagnosis, treatment and full participation in everyday life.

"Deaf Awareness Month is an opportunity for all Kentuckians to learn about prevention, early screening and communication access, and to better understand the challenges faced by our neighbors suffering from hearing loss," Gov. Beshear said.

"Untreated or unaddressed hearing loss is linked to language delays in children, reduced academic achievement, social isolation and depression across all ages, increased risk of falls, and heightened risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. I encourage all Kentuckians to educate themselves and others about hearing health, its impact, and the steps we can take to make it a priority as we build Our Healthy Kentucky Home," he said.

Kentucky joins national and global efforts in September to highlight Deaf Awareness Month and encourages individuals and organizations to take steps toward more communication, greater awareness, and stronger support for deaf and hard of hearing Kentuckians.

"Hearing loss is one of the most common, yet most overlooked and misunderstood health issues. Too often, it’s seen only as a disability instead of the major public health concern it truly is. We must start talking about hearing loss and make hearing health part of our routine care, just like we do for heart health," said Anita Dowd, executive director of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH).

"KCDHH is here to help – offering the public, providers and policymakers the information and resources they need to understand hearing loss, recognize its impacts and take steps to improve communication and quality of life," she said.

If you believe you or someone you love may have hearing loss, schedule a visit with your doctor or a licensed audiologist to confirm it, take steps to address it, and discover the resources that can support better communication and connection.

For more information about hearing loss, visit the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing website.

Original source: Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet Press Release

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The Point Arc: Community Conversation

RSVP by October 1st to aedwards@thepointarc.org

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DeafNation Expo in Columbus

Click above image to register!

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Community Sign Language Class in Danville

Scan the QR code or click here to register!

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2025 Advocacy Summit

Center of Accessible Living KY is hosting the 2nd Annual Advocacy Summit (registration) on October 16–17, 2025.

This free two-day event fosters collaboration, learning, and advocacy by bringing together individuals with disabilities, allies, policymakers, and community leaders to drive progress in accessibility and inclusion.

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2nd Annual Deaf Day at Pumpkin Patch

Scan the QR code or click here to purchase tickets!

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Roll into Fun: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Skate Party

Scan the QR code or click here to reserve your spot!

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Leadership Training Camp for all
DHH Middle/High School Students in Kentucky

Scan the QR code or click here to register the student!

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Kentucky Hands & Voices:
My Old Kentucky Home Trivia Night & Silent Auction

Join them on November 8, 2025 at The Foundry in Frankfort. They will have 10 rounds of trivia and all proceeds benefit Kentucky Hands & Voices. They will also have a selection of awesome silent auction items. Prizes will be given for the best overall costume AND best themed table costumes. Come as your favorite Kentuckian, Kentucky character, Kentucky item, etc.

Click above image to register!

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Ohio State University's ASL Teaching Certificate

The demand for skilled American Sign Language (ASL) teachers continues to grow, and The Ohio State University is proud to offer a new online program to help meet this need.

The American Sign Language (ASL) Elementary-Level Teaching Certificate is designed for those fluent in ASL with an existing bachelor’s degree (any major) who are:

• Aspiring instructors – anyone already fluent in ASL who is interested in teaching introductory level ASL in schools, community-based programs, or higher education. Note: this certificate does not lead to teaching licensure.
• Current K–12 or higher education instructors who want to expand and strengthen their pedagogical skills.

This 100% online certificate can be completed in 1 year, equipping educators with the tools and strategies to enhance student learning while meeting the demand for knowledgeable ASL teachers nationwide.

Whether you’re beginning your teaching journey or seeking to deepen your expertise, this program can help you grow as an educator and expand your opportunities in ASL teaching or tutoring.

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Hands & Voices Leadership Conference

The 21st Annual Hands & Voices Leadership Conference will take place
October 5-7, 2025 at Panama City Beach, Florida.

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Association of Late-Deafened Adults Conference

ALDAcon 2025 will take place October 15-19, 2025
at the Curtis in Denver, Colorado.

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Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Convention

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Convention 2026 will be in LOUISVILLE!

Be sure to subscribe to HLAA to get news and updates about the convention as soon as they have new information!

Registration for the Convention will be available on their website in January, with Early-Bird Registration pricing through March 13, 2026.

Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Convention:
Call for Workshop Proposals

Want to present an educational workshop at HLAA 2026?

Their request for Workshop Proposals is now open.
The submission deadline is December 12, 2025.

Past educational workshop topics have included:

LEARN MORE AND SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

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"Moore Safe Nights" Weather Radio Distribution Program

Still Accepting Applications!

Are you a deaf or hard of hearing person living in Kentucky? Do you feel like you're always out of the loop when bad weather comes to your area? Would you like some peace of mind for when bad weather approaches you while you're sleeping?

Thanks to the partnership with Kentucky Emergency Management (KyEM); you now can apply for a free weather radio for the deaf and hard of hearing using our online application now!

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