West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources

The meeting addressed issues with the DMV not providing interpreters and updates from the staff reports. The staff reports included information about the expired Otolaryngologist/ENT position, the resignation of the Parent Representative, and the upcoming expiration of the Teacher of the Deaf position. WVCDHH is in the process of becoming a Local Test Administrator for the EIPA and is regularly updating its website and social media. WVCDHH is partnering with the Eastern Panhandle Deaf Alliance to hold a town hall meeting and sponsoring a free virtual ASL 1 class. There was discussion regarding issues with interpreters getting paid and the need for more workshops in the state for earning CEUs for RID. The possibility of setting up a task force to help with interpreter workshops was suggested, as well as working towards an open captioning bill for movies.

The meeting included staff reports highlighting updates on the Otolaryngologist/ENT position, the hiring of an Assistant to the Director, progress in becoming a Local Test Administrator for the EIPA, website and social media updates, Deaf Awareness Day 2024, monitoring governmental policies, collaboration with the University of Charleston to develop an ASL Studies Minor program, assistance with the transition of the D/HH program from Westside Middle School to Horace Mann Middle School, partnering with the Eastern Panhandle Deaf Alliance for a town hall meeting, and partnering with Marshall University's School Psychology Program to explore best practices in working with deaf students. Board member reports covered topics such as a visit to a deaf group home in Morganton, student participation in Deaf Awareness Day, the unique needs of students with IEPs, free ASL classes offered by the Department of Education and WVSDB, an Interpreter Retreat by WV Outreach Center, WV Birth to Three partnering with Deaf Services Center, FEMA support for flood damages, DRS developing a Meet Your Counselor Day, and budget constraints affecting DRS services.

The vlog details the 2nd quarter report, including a public comment suggesting an update to the WVCDHH interpreter directory. The Awareness Report covered attendance at the Interpreter Task Force meeting, meetings with Bridge Valley Community & Technical College to establish an Interpreter Training Program, and West Virginia University to address communication access services. The Staffing Report covered the hiring of a temporary and then permanent Office Assistant, as well as a new Project Director. The Interpreter Task Force Report discussed the selection of new members, disciplinary actions for noncertified interpreters, and the creation of an updated Interpreter Directory for 2015. The Committee/Board Report covered the reappointment and appointment of board members, a review of strategic plans, emergency notifications for Deaf and Hard of Hearing citizens, educational interpreters in WV, and the Kids First Hearing Project.

The meeting included discussions on Kari's attendance at the Community of Practice meeting, the Executive Director's attendance at the Charleston Association for the Deaf (CAD) New Year's Day Party, and the invitation to the National Association of State Agencies for Deaf and Hard of Hearing annual conference. Updates were provided on the Deaf Awareness Day, the Interpreter Task Force (ITF) projects, and the resignation of Kari Preslar. The meeting also covered the strategic plan for WVCDHH, transition services for West Virginia students, and emergency information/notification for the deaf and hard of hearing. Rachel Gill shared her promotion to Rehabilitation Services Manager I, and future meeting dates were announced.

The WVCDHH board meeting included public comments regarding monthly flyers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing events and recruiting members for the educational committee. WVAD wants to rewrite the Deaf Child Bill of Rights, awaiting a model from NAD. The WVCDHH staff report covered the annual report for 2015, website updates, logo modernization, and setting up more events statewide. Sean Gerlis from CSD presented on services, devices, communication accesses, and technology. Budget information was shared with the board. The ITF reported on updating the WVRI, noting an increase in registered interpreters but no Deaf Certified Interpreters in WV. WV Deaf Awareness Day was announced for March 8, 2016. The Nominating Committee announced appointments by the WV Governor. The board discussed the Strategic Plan, emergency information/notification, and board member reports. The Executive Committee will evaluate the Executive Director. A Board Retreat is planned for fall 2016 or 2017. Staffing updates included hiring Sarah Lowther and Rachel Torrence.