Reena Banerjee

This strategic plan outlines the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's (ACDHH) direction for 2025-2029. It focuses on five key outcomes: enhancing accessibility of information, education, and training; increasing awareness and use of support services; strengthening interpreter development and mentorship; increasing knowledge of communication and safety technology; and optimizing language acquisition and literacy for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind children. The plan aims to ensure accessibility, improve quality of life, and strengthen statewide advocacy for these communities across Arizona.

The committee discussed the selection of Early Intervention and Early Learning Program representatives and the status of the NBST supervisory role. New business included updates on the Family Survey initiative, progress on Journey Through Screening and Beyond materials, revisions to the family resource booklet, and the development of educational video series. Additionally, members provided professional engagement updates regarding upcoming conferences, organizational board memberships, and current outlooks on grant funding.

Key discussion points included the Executive Director's report, highlighting the agency's focus on centering lived experiences, expanding communication access, and the pursuit of a statutory change to modernize the funding base for the Telecommunications Fund for the Deaf due to declining landline use. Staff updates included personnel changes and the upcoming posting for a Public Policy position focused on government affairs. The Community Engagement Coordinator reported on the successful Deaf and Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind Legislative Day and ongoing collaboration with the Arizona Burn Foundation resulting in smoke alarm installations. The Hard of Hearing Specialist detailed recent and upcoming educational outreach efforts and progress on the Hearing Healthcare Assistance Project (HHAP), which aided 263 low-income individuals with hearing resources in the previous calendar year. Leadership announcements covered building improvements by ALOHA in Tucson and updates from the HLAA East Valley and West Valley Chapters regarding various speakers and events, including the 2026 Walk4Hearing. The Employment Update noted increased job seeker participation at career fairs and strong hiring industries in Maricopa County. An accessibility discussion highlighted successes at the ASU Kerr Cultural Center and the Hale Theater regarding assistive listening devices, contrasted with ongoing advocacy challenges at the Wild Horse Pass venue.

Key discussion and action items for the meeting include the approval of minutes from meetings held in November 2025, December 2025, and January 2026. The agenda also includes reports from the Chair and the Executive Director, public comments, and discussion/action items related to interpreter complaints and inquiries involving several named individuals (Audrey Evans, Alvina Malcom, Lisa Carbone, Brynn Hickey, Linda Bove, Aaron Johnson, Buck Rogers). Further topics include discussion/action on the ILC New Member, the Interpreter Complaint Review Process, and setting 2026 Meeting Dates/Locations.

The Hard of Hearing Task Force meeting agenda includes call to order and introductions, an Executive Director Report, Community Engagement Report, reports from the Hard of Hearing Specialist and Program Manager, and discussions on ALOHA Leadership Announcements and HLAA Chapter Leadership Announcements. Other discussion items involve Arizona's 11th Annual Walk4Hearing 2026, an Employment Update, and Arts & Culture Venue Access.