KCDHH Communicator, Connecting you to Current News Team Kentucky: Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, An Agency of the Education and Labor Cabinet
VOLUME 44, NO. 1
January 2026

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Deaf Suicide Loss Survivor Virtual Support Group

DeafLead logo

Losing someone to suicide is a pain like no other. If you’re a signing Deaf adult (18+) walking this grief journey, you don’t have to walk it alone.

DeafLEAD is launching a NEW Deaf Suicide Loss Survivor Virtual Support Group—100% in ASL, no English interpretation. They meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6 PM Central on Zoom.

This is a safe, peer-to-peer space facilitated by their Suicide Prevention Specialist where we hold space for each other and heal together.

Interested? Fill out the quick intake form and their specialist will reach out for a short video chat. Once approved, you’ll get the Zoom link. You are not alone.

Email Suicide.Prevention@DeafLEAD.org with any questions.

If you need help in Kentucky, sign-fluent therapists are available at New Vista and Seven Counties Services. ASL/captioned videos are available in their website to learn more.


Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Kentucky Community Action Partnerships

Beginning January 6 through March 27, 2026, Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies will accept applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Crisis component. LIHEAP Winter Crisis is available in all 120 counties, ensuring access to heating assistance for households in need across the Commonwealth. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, or until funds are depleted.

This program assists eligible households facing a home heating emergency, such as imminent loss of heat, low fuel supply, or eviction due to unpaid utility bills.


Visual Phonics Training

Register Now!


Hearing Speech + Deaf Center Night at the Cyclones

Buy tickets here!


REMINDER - ASL EDU: Virtual Symposium

ASL EDU: ASLTA Virtual Symposium; the annual professional development event, hosted by the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA), takes place January 17–18, 2026, fully online via Zoom, and welcomes ASL educators, mentors, administrators, and interpreters from across the field.

This year’s theme, “Beyond Vocabulary: Curriculum That Builds Language, Culture, and Confidence” focuses on strengthening ASL instruction through curriculum design, assessment strategies, and culturally affirming practices. Over two days you’ll experience inspirational talks, interactive workshops, and collaborative discussions.


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.

The Hearing Loss Association of America is offering a scholarship worth approximately $1,200 to help first-time attendees attend the annual HLAA Convention in Louisville.

Open to all ages, especially young adults (18-30) with hearing loss and parents of children with hearing loss are highly encouraged to apply. If you’ve never attended an HLAA Convention and are active in the hearing loss community, this opportunity is for you!


"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!


PLEASE VISIT KCDHH’S

Calendar of Events

IF YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO LIST ON THE CALENDAR,
PLEASE EMAIL US AT: kcdhh@ky.gov


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




KCDHH logo

KENTUCKY COMMISSION ON THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
632 Versailles Road
Frankfort, KY 40601

Voice: 502-573-2604
Videophone: 502-416-0607
Toll Free: 800-372-2907
kcdhh.ky.gov    |   kcdhh@ky.gov

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