September is Deaf Awareness Month, and it is a good time to ask yourself how much you actually know about hearing loss.
If you're deaf or hard of hearing, you already live it. But chances are someone in your life doesn't get it. This month, you don't have to explain it all yourself. Start with this overview from InnoCaption. It covers the rich history of Deaf Awareness Month, why ASL matters, what deaf students face in the classroom, media representation, and simple ways anyone can take part.
Read InnoCaption's Full Article
Also, we are posting a "Did You Know?" every day in September on Facebook and Instagram. Follow us and add KCDHH to your favorites so you never miss one.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.
Phone calls not your thing? You have options. Connect by videophone, text, or chat with trained crisis counselors who understand your communication needs. Support is available 24/7. The 988 Lifeline is free and confidential.
Healthy Aging Includes Hearing Health
September is Healthy Aging Month, a good reminder that taking care of your health includes taking care of your hearing.
Hearing changes are common as we age, but they often happen so gradually that we adjust without realizing how much has changed. We turn up the television, ask people to repeat themselves, or stop enjoying restaurants and gatherings because following conversation has become difficult.
Hearing health affects more than what you hear. Research has linked hearing loss with social isolation, increased risk of falls, and cognitive decline. Staying aware of changes in your hearing can help you stay connected, independent, and engaged in the things you enjoy.
There’s no reason to avoid finding out where your hearing stands. Hearing loss is common, and today there are more options than ever, from communication strategies and assistive technology to hearing aids and other supports.
Healthy aging isn’t just about adding years to your life. It’s about staying connected to the people and experiences that make those years matter.
Learn More:
(DANVILLE, KY) – The Kentucky School for the Deaf (KSD) is excited to announce Justin Padgett as its new principal. A familiar face and dedicated leader in the KSD community, Padgett has served as the school’s director of student life for the past three years and brings 18 years of experience in education to his new position.
Read full articleKimmie Curtis, a teacher at Kentucky School for the Deaf, has been named as one of the three finalists for the 2026 Kentucky Special Education Teacher of the Year!
Three outstanding special education teachers, including Ms. Curtis, will be recognized during the KYCEC Conference on Nov. 23, 2026, in Louisville. During the conference, one of the three finalists will be named the 2026 Kentucky Special Education Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations on your nomination, Kimmie!
Read full article
Did you love the movie, CODA? Then you’ll want to know about Siân Heder’s next film, Being Heumann.
The film tells the incredible true story of Judy Heumann, a lifelong disability rights activist who helped change the way America views disability, accessibility, and civil rights.
In 1977, Judy Heumann and more than 150 disabled people and allies took over a federal building in San Francisco and stayed for 26 days. Their protest helped push the federal government to finally implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a landmark civil rights protection for people with disabilities.
Now, nearly 50 years later, Heder, the Academy Award-winning director of CODA, is bringing Heumann’s story to the big screen.
Why should the deaf and hard of hearing community care? Because disability rights history is our history, too. The fight for accessibility, communication access, education, employment, and equal participation didn’t happen overnight. People like Judy Heumann helped pave the way.
Being Heumann stars Ruth Madeley as Judy Heumann and features a large cast of disabled actors including DHH actors Daniel Durant and Russell Harvard.
Being Heumann will be released in select theaters on November 6, 2026, and will begin streaming on Apple TV on November 13, 2026.
Scarlett's Park Conference is a free annual conference focused on Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and adults with special needs.
The 2026 conference is happening virtually on September 26th from 8 AM to 5 PM PST.
Registration for the conference is open! To learn more about the conference, view the full agenda, and register, please visit: Scarlett's Park Conference Information
Do you own a smartphone or tablet? Many free apps can support your communication needs. Each app serves a different purpose. Choose the ones that fit your daily life.
Speech-to-text apps convert spoken words into text on the screen. Use them for one-on-one conversations, doctor visits, and meetings. Some apps allow you to type a reply in large print for the other person to read.
Alerting apps use the microphone to listen for sounds. They vibrate the device or flash the camera light when they detect a fire alarm, a doorbell, or a crying baby.
Hearing aid apps turn the phone into a remote control for wireless hearing aids. Each app works with specific hearing aid brands and models. Check the compatibility notes before you download.
Amplifier apps use the phone and a headset to boost the sound around you.
Video messaging apps allow sign language users to send short video messages without scheduling a live call.
iAccessibility.com provides lists of apps for different disabilities. Click the link below and scroll down the page to view the disability categories. Click a category to view its list of apps.
Kentucky P&A is the designated protection and advocacy system for Kentucky and works to protect and promote
the rights of people with disabilities and individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing through advocacy,
education, training, information and referral, and legal servces.
Learn more about Kentucky P&A at
https://www.kypa.net or call
800-372-2988.
Your voice matters!
Kentucky Protection and Advocacy is currently planning new areas of focus for 2027, and community input is
an important part of that process. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your
thoughts.
Take the survey
Free weather radios for deaf and hard of hearing Kentuckians. Partnership with Kentucky Emergency Management.
Apply now
These organizations offer guidance on accommodations, self-advocacy, IEPs, and educational planning for deaf and hard of hearing students from preschool through college.
Have an event for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community?
Submit it to our calendar.
