Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing

The meeting commenced with accessibility notices regarding ASL interpreters and CART captioning, along with an explanation of CART's utility. A new task force member was introduced. Key discussions centered on the acceptance of the November meeting minutes. The Executive Director provided an update on her new role, emphasizing a commitment to centering lived experiences and ensuring representation for deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, and speech-disabled Arizonans in all statewide initiatives. Policy updates included discussions on FCC rules concerning the modernization of the Telecommunication Relay Service (TRS) and the need to expand the tax base for the Telecommunication Fund for the Deaf beyond landlines to include wireless revenue for agency sustainability. Personnel changes noted the retirement of the Deputy Director. Updates from the Community Engagement Coordinator covered the success of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Deaf Blind Legislative Day, a collaboration with the Arizona Burn Foundation for distributing free lifesaving alert systems (installing 455 alarms over two years) and an upcoming community burn alarm walk. Other engagements included presentations at the Arizona Museum of Natural History, Still University for audiology students, Saddlebrook Ranch Retirement Community, and the University of Arizona for American Sign Language students. The Heart of Hearing Specialist detailed outreach activities, including presentations across the state, visits to the Arizona State School for the Deaf and the Blind, and community resource sharing at health fairs and senior centers.

The meeting included discussions regarding committee membership and representation, specifically addressing adding new roles for Early Intervention/Early Learning Provider (EI/ELP) candidates and a Newborn Screening Technician (NBST) candidate. The committee voted to add two new EI/ELP positions and one NBST position. New business focused on updates to the ACDHH Family Services materials, including a timeline magnet and draft videos, with suggestions made for revisions. Community updates covered potential funding opportunities and the announcement of the Annual Family Picnic date for April 5, 2026.

The meeting commenced with a roll call. Key discussions centered on the Executive Director position, specifically addressing the withdrawal of the initially selected candidate, Eric. The Board considered options for the next steps in recruitment, including reviewing remaining candidates or initiating a new search, and discussed these matters in executive session. Subsequently, the Board voted in open session to advance the two remaining candidates, Michelle Michaels and Nikki Sukup, to the final round of interviews. Following this decision, the Board entered executive session again to discuss job expectations for the newly selected executive director.

The meeting commenced with roll call and confirmation of attendees. The primary agenda item involved the review and approval of applications for sign language interpreters, resulting in the approval of a list of applicants. Discussion then shifted to future agenda items, specifically determining the ILC 2026 meeting dates and addressing the commissioner selection process following a member's departure. The process for filling the vacant fourth alternate position on the committee, which technically operated as a four-member body despite original policy framing, was discussed, with a consensus to place the established protocol for invitation and appointment on the next main board meeting agenda. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and procedural start at 6:01 p.m. The primary agenda item addressed the approval of interpreter lensure applicants, which involved correcting initial figures, ultimately resulting in the approval of 58 individuals for interpreter lensure, categorized across provisional, general, and legal statuses. A significant portion of the meeting involved discussing and analyzing one interpreter complaint against Aaron Johnson regarding unprofessional conduct, specifically smelling strongly of alcohol on multiple occasions while working, including admitting to heavy drinking the prior night before an 8 a.m. assignment. The discussion considered the investigator's recommendation of a letter of concern, weighed against options like a letter of reprimand or civil penalties, factoring in that the interpreter's Arizona license was set to expire shortly thereafter. The committee discussed the seriousness of reporting to work intoxicated, particularly given the safety implications, and the need to balance accountability with empathy for potential alcoholism.