West Virginia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Minutes
The meeting included discussions regarding a Christmas party and the 2025 WVAD Biennial Conference. A need for assistance with interpreting services for a deaf client was raised. Staff reports covered topics such as the expired term for the Otolaryngologist/ENT position on the board, the appointment of a new board member, and a meeting with the State ADA Coordinator to discuss changes to codes for scheduling contracted interpreters and updating standards for educational interpreters. Updates were provided on the WVCDHH website and social media presence, as well as the transition to the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) certification program. The success of the Family Day at Pipestem Resort State Park and participation in the West Virginia Audiology Association Fall Conference were highlighted. The sponsorship of a free virtual ASL 1 class and collaboration with the University of Charleston to develop an ASL Studies Minor program were also discussed. A board member shared information about an ASL class and the design of an LMS group for the University of Charleston, as well as work with the WVSDB Statewide Literacy Coordinator. Another board member mentioned being on the Advisory Council for the Education of Exceptional Children and suggested creating a pamphlet for parents of D/HH children. Updates were also provided on WVSDB Outreach and a Deaf Social event. Concerns were raised about decreasing funding for DRS and the potential impact on services for individuals with disabilities.