What services are offered to people who are Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing?


Read time: 6 minutes

Please note Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind Services from Aging and Disability Services (ADS) and other State of Connecticut Health and Human Services Agencies will be listed on this page. This is required by Public Act No 22-31 - An Act Concerning Standards for Interpreters for Deaf, DeafBlind, And Hard Of Hearing Persons.

A new Bureau of Services for Persons Who Are Deaf, Deafblind or Hard of Hearing has been created within the ADS. More information will be coming about this bureau as it grows.

 

ADS resources for people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing:

Counseling Services for the Deaf

 

The Counseling Unit provides help and advice for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families. 

To request counseling services, fill out the Counseling Unit Referral Form and send it via one of the following:

  • Fax: 860-730-8412

  • Email: ADS.DHOHcounseling@ct.gov

  • Mail: Department of Aging and Disability Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Counseling Unit
    184 Windsor Avenue 
    Windsor, CT 06095

 

Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Resource Guide

This guide shares helpful information but does not recommend specific agencies or services. If you have updates or corrections, email ADS.dhohcounseling@ct.gov

 

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Interpreter Registry

ADS keeps a list of interpreters who are registered in Connecticut. IIf you want to be an interpreter in Connecticut, complete the Interpreter Registration Form (PDF) and email it with your documents to ADS.Interpreting@ct.gov. You can also email this address with any questions.

 

Human Services Advocate - Aging and Disability Services

ADS has a Human Services Advocate who helps people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind with communication access issues.

Contact information:

 

VR Counselors for the Deaf 

These counselors help people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing find jobs. They work with individuals and families to share information about job choices and help them make informed decisions.

 

Other resources for people who are Deaf

Services from ADS and other Connecticut agencies will continue to be added to this page, as required by  Public Act No 22-31 - AN ACT CONCERNING STANDARDS FOR INTERPRETERS FOR DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING PERSONS 

  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing InterpretingIf you are in need of interpreting services, please call 2-1-1, or visit www.211ct.org and search for “Sign Language Interpretation.” TTY: 800-671-0737
  • Independent Living Centers - Deaf Services: Connecticut has five independent living centers. These centers provide tools, support and resources to help people with disabilities fully take part in their communities and live more independently.
  • Relay Services Contact: ADS works with state and federal agencies to manage Connecticut’s Relay Services, which help people communicate by phone. This includes serving on the Relay CT Board.

 

Resources from other state agencies for people who are Deaf

Department of Social Services

  • DSS offers services and support for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind.
  • To contact DSS Client Information Line and Benefits Center - Call 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632) (TTD/TTY 1-800-842-4524 for persons with speech or hearing difficulties) 
  • DSS offers VRI services, which allow Deaf or Hard of Hearing people to communicate with others using a live interpreter on a computer or tablet.

Benefits include: 

  • No need to schedule ahead

  • Quick response times

  • Skilled interpreters

  • Clear video and audio

  • Private settings

Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Deaf Hard of Hearing DeafBlind Services