Town Hall Meetings to Gather Input on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Needs

The Nevada Commission for Persons who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Communication Access Services (CAS) program will hold public town hall meetings across the state in October. These town halls provide an opportunity for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community to share input on ideas for the upcoming legislative session.

At the town halls, community members will learn about the Commission’s recommendations to the Governor and share feedback to help shape future laws. Concepts being put forth by the Commission include closed captions in public places, a deaf school, American Sign Language (ASL) credits in high school and college. Town hall input will also support the Commission’s advocacy efforts, contribute to its annual report, and help prepare for the December 2024 conference on advocacy, legislative process and rights related to the Deaf community.

“Join the Deaf Commission’s efforts to unite, empower, and magnify the Deaf and Hard of Hearing message for legislative change in Nevada,” said Obioma Officer, Executive Director of the Nevada Commission for Persons who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The Deaf Commission works and advocates to ensure all Nevadan’s have equal and full access to resources, services, and opportunities in all aspects of community life. 

Each meeting will start with a one-hour information session hosted by the CAS program, covering available services and upcoming funding opportunities. The remaining two hours will be dedicated to the town hall discussion led by the Commission.

"The Communication Access Services program is excited for the opportunity to connect with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and share the services that CAS provides, along with upcoming funding opportunities that could have a significant impact," said Jennifer Montoya, Communication Access Services Program Manager.
Meeting Details:

• Elko: Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Nevada Early Intervention Services (NEIS), 1020 Ruby Vista Drive, Suite 102
• Reno: Thursday, October 3, 2024, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Joe Crowley Student Union, 1664 N. Virginia St.
• Las Vegas: Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., College of Southern Nevada (CSN) West Charleston Campus, 6375 W. Charleston Blvd., D-101

All meetings will be held in person. Anyone who is unable to attend can email comments to NVDeafCommission@adsd.nv.gov or mail them to 7150 S. Pollock Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89119 (Attention – Nevada Deaf Commission).

For more information, visit the Nevada Commission for Persons Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing web page linked here.