About

About KCDHH

The Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) is a state agency housed administratively within the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) in its Rehabilitation Services Division.

KCDHH is authorized to develop and implement a program of information and referral, advocacy, public education and direct services. Based in Topeka, KCDHH works with agencies and organizations throughout Kansas to assure availability and coordination of services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, including communication access and resources related to hearing loss.

KCDHH is governed by a 17-member Commission, of which there are five ex-officio members representing key state agencies and twelve at-large members appointed by the Governor. Since 1982, the Commission has provided policy considerations relating to social, emotional, educational and vocational needs of the deaf and hard of hearing and their families and makes recommendations for needed improvements, while serving as an advisory board on new legislation affecting the deaf and hard of hearing.

KCDHH also maintains a registry of qualified sign language interpreters in order to track interpreters’ credentials, areas of expertise and geographic areas of practice of interpreters working in the State of Kansas. As required by K.S.A. 75-4355b (a), “All interpreters for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired shall be certified or registered with the KCDHH or an agency designated by the Commission.” This is applicable to all interpreters hired or contracted by state agencies or any political subdivisions of Kansas, including the Courts.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) is to advocate for and facilitate equitable access to quality, coordinated and comprehensive services that enhance the life of Kansans who are deaf and hard of hearing.