New FCC Video Conferencing Rules
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new rules to make video conferencing platforms more accessible for people with disabilities, including those who are deaf and hard of hearing. These rules require video conferencing services platforms to provide features like accurate captioning, support for sign language interpreters, and compatibility with accessibility tools. The changes aim to ensure that virtual meetings are accessible and usable for everyone.
Read more about the break-down of new FCC’s Rules on Deaf In Government’s website.
Louisville’s Berrytown Deaf Socials
OINK Deaf Artisan Market
Dinner Table Project for DHH Families’ Two Events
RSVP to Bowling Green event by sending an email to CCABRERA@lifeskills.com by March 27th.
To register for Hopkinsville event by March 27th, scan the QR code in the image above or click here.
2026 Language First Conference
The Language First Conference is an opportunity for professionals who work in deaf education to gather and learn best practices for working with Deaf and hard of hearing children utilizing an ASL-English bilingual approach.
This year’s conference is in Knoxville, Tennessee at Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown on April 14-16, 2026.
Peer Support Specialist and Recovery Coach Announcement
Click above image to watch ASL/captioned video at YouTube.
The Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, & Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services program is partnering with Karran Larson April 23rd and 24th to introduce Deaf signing individuals to peer support and recovery coaching.
Sessions are free. More training will be needed if people want to pursue certification.
Email Michelle.Niehaus@ky.gov or aadkins@ky.gov to register. People can also call (502) 385-0460 on VP.
Registration closes on April 17th.
Summer Camps for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
Looking for accessible summer camp options? Explore these resources featuring camps designed for deaf and hard of hearing children, including day programs, overnight camps, and programming that include siblings or CODAs (children of deaf adults):
9th annual Kentucky Hands & Voices SuperHEARo 5K!
Saturday May 16, 2026
9:00 AM
White Hall State Historic Site
Early bird registration is open through February 25 for $25.
Includes a race t-shirt and chip-timed race bib. Virtual option also available.
All proceeds benefit outreach, advocacy, and education efforts of Kentucky Hands & Voices.
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
IF YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO LIST ON THE CALENDAR,
PLEASE EMAIL US AT: kcdhh@ky.gov
KCDHH Resources:
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.
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
