Colorado Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind

08/05/2026

Mark your calendars and grab your tickets! 🎟️
We are excited to announce the 5th Annual Deaf Awareness Night with the Colorado Rapids taking place this September! Because September is Deaf Awareness Month, this is the perfect opportunity to gather our community for a fantastic night of soccer.
This year's event is all about enjoying the game and connecting with one another, with no fundraising attached. Tickets are officially live, and we highly encourage you to purchase yours as soon as possible so we can get a great headcount for the stadium!
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, September 12th
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: DICK'S Sporting Goods Park (6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, CO 80022)
🔗 Get your tickets now: bit.ly/4wvfLCE
See you at the match!

08/03/2026

📢 Call for Research Participants: Perspectives on Education

We would like to share an opportunity to participate in an independent research study conducted by Arya Boris, a doctoral candidate at Widener University.

About the Study:
This research aims to understand people's perspectives on the sexuality education they received growing up. We recognize that many members of the Deaf community do not identify with the term "disabled." However, this study specifically seeks to include the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities to capture the experiences of students who may have faced systemic barriers, unfair treatment, or lack of access to equal educational content.

The goal of this study is to ensure that future education is better and more inclusive, keeping the advocacy motto in mind: "Nothing about us without us."

Who Can Participate?
You are eligible to take this survey if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You are an adult born in 1990 or later.
- You became Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, or acquired a disability before you turned 19 years old.
- You grew up and learned about sexuality education in the United States.
- You were not homeschooled for more than half of your K-12 education.

Survey Details:
- Time: The survey takes about 10 to 20 minutes. You can take breaks and come back to it at any time.
- Accessibility: You are welcome to use an aid or assistant to help you answer the survey if needed.
- Privacy: All of your information will be completely anonymous.

Incentive: As a thank you for participating, you can choose to enter a raffle to win a $25 gift card.

🔗 Take the Survey Here: https://widener.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8nUPgqgozKAgo1U?source=Other

Questions?
If you have any questions about this study, please contact researcher Arya Boris at [email protected] or faculty advisor Dr. Pamela Lannutti at [email protected].

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07/31/2026

🎉 Celebrating 36 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act!

July 26 marked the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law in 1990, this landmark civil rights law protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in everyday life, including employment, education, transportation, and public spaces.

For the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities, the ADA plays a vital role in ensuring communication access. It requires businesses and government agencies to provide auxiliary aids and services, such as American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, CART captioning, and telecommunications relay services, so everyone has equal access to information and public life.

While we celebrate 36 years of progress and honor the dedicated advocates who made it possible, our work is far from finished. The Division remains deeply committed to advancing accessibility, equity, and full inclusion across Colorado every single day.

How has the ADA impacted your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

07/30/2026

📣 Job Opportunity: Director of Outreach at CSDB!

The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) is looking for an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as the Director of Outreach!

Based in Colorado Springs, this executive leadership position reports directly to the Superintendent and provides strategic direction and operational oversight for CSDB’s statewide Outreach and Early Education Programs. If you are passionate about ensuring equitable access to high-quality educational services for children who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind across Colorado, this is your opportunity to make a statewide impact!

Key Details:
📍 Location: Colorado Springs, CO
💼 Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
💰 Salary: Depends on Qualifications
🗓️ Closing Date: Continuous

Qualifications:
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Special Education, Public Administration, or related field + 5 years of progressive leadership experience in education or program administration.
- Preferred: Master’s degree or higher, Colorado Principal/Administrator/Director License, ASL fluency or working knowledge, and experience working with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind populations.

👉 Learn more and apply today: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado

✉️ Questions? Contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Thank you for your interest in working for the State of Colorado. Join us and find meaningful work in public service to Colorado and its citizens, and create a colorful Colorado we are all proud to live in.  For technical assistance including password help, please contact NEOGOV at (855) 524...

07/29/2026

🚨 Action Alert: Public Comments Needed on Proposed Medicaid Rules 🚨

Your voice is needed! The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently accepting public comments on a newly proposed federal rule regarding Medicaid.

Under this proposed rule, implementing "community engagement" (work reporting) requirements passed under HR 1, some Medicaid recipients would be required to report their work, volunteer, or education activities to maintain their healthcare coverage.

Why Your Voice Matters: Disability advocates are deeply concerned about this change. Complicated paperwork and inaccessible reporting systems could cause eligible Coloradans to lose their Medicaid coverage. For many in our community, Medicaid is a vital lifeline that provides access to medical equipment, home and community-based services, and everyday independence.
Personal stories and lived experiences are the most impactful feedback policymakers receive. Sharing your perspective can help ensure that necessary protections are put in place!

How to Submit Your Feedback: Our partners at the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) have created a comprehensive toolkit to make submitting your feedback as easy as possible. The toolkit features a step-by-step guide and email templates to help you draft your comment.

📅 Submission Deadline: Friday, July 31, 2026

🔗 Take Action: Check out the toolkit and submit your story here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16dvyhZkoWkKhaUrE-H2R_Ih7c0fF80r3/edit

Please share this alert with your friends, family, and networks to help protect healthcare access for Coloradans with disabilities!

CCDC H.R. 1 Public Comment Toolkit CMS Medicaid Community Engagement / Work Reporting IFC | LTSS/HCBS Disability Advocacy Template Comments due July 31, 2026 | File Code CMS-2454-IFC | Docket CMS-2026-2047 Federal Register rule | CMS fact sheet | Regulations.gov docket | Direct comment page Ho...

07/28/2026

Join the Division of Child Welfare for a Special Town Hall Session discussing the newly expanded Child & Youth Medical Team at CDHS!

This is a great opportunity to meet the Clinical Review Team, the Medicaid Team, and the Medical Director to learn how they support county child welfare work. Whether you have questions about Medicaid access for children moving between Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs), duplicate Medicaid IDs, or how to support youth with complex clinical needs who are currently in a hospital setting, this town hall has you covered.

Town Hall Details:
📅 Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026
⏰ Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
💻 Topic: Child & Youth Medical Team at CDHS
🎤 Presenters: Dr. Deborah Monaghan & Team (Facilitated by Jeff Romero)

How to Join:
- Video Link: https://meet.google.com/sss-nchg-aht
- Join by Phone: +1 385-999-6265 (PIN: 286 800 373 #)

Have a topic you would like to present or learn more about at future Town Halls? The Division of Child Welfare's Learning & Development team coordinates these events. You can reach out to:
Kathy Clark: [email protected]
Jeff Romero (Youth Services): [email protected]
Moinette Dickens (Permanency): [email protected]
Or reach out to your County Intermediary!

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07/24/2026

You have the right to protest safely. Disability Law United recently shared tips to help people with disabilities get ready and know what to do if they talk to the police at a protest.

Here is a summary of your rights and tips to stay safe:
⚖️ Your Rights: The law protects your right to protest peacefully in public. The police cannot make you leave just because you have a disability.

🗣️ Share Your Needs: Tell the police right away if you need an accommodation. If you do not use spoken language, keep a printed card or a phone recording ready to show or play for the police.

🗺️ Plan Ahead: Know how to leave the area safely before you go. Look for accessible paths, like curb cuts, and safe spaces away from big crowds. Bring a friend who knows what you need and will stay with you.

🪪 Medical Notes: Carry a short note explaining any medical needs, devices, or medicines. The police are not allowed to take your medical equipment away without following the law.

🚨 If You Are Arrested: Say or show that you have a disability right away. You can show a card that says, "I have a disability. I need an ASL interpreter." You have the right to get medical care and accommodations while in jail. Do not wait to tell them.

If you think the police did not respect your rights, contact a lawyer or Disability Law United.

07/22/2026

Looking for a way to support the DeafBlind community nationwide? The Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) is hosting its annual Helen's 5K Run/Walk, and Coloradans are invited to join the movement virtually!

While the in-person race takes place in New York, you can walk, run, or roll right here in your own community anytime between September 14th and 26th.

Proceeds from the event support vital communication access at HKNC, including ASL and tactile interpreters, as well as assistive technologies. These resources are essential in empowering DeafBlind individuals to achieve greater independence through job training, workplace accommodations, and community engagement. Funds will also support Destiny Home, a group home for DeafBlind individuals with intellectual disabilities.

This year’s race captain is Maricar Marquez, HKNC's Supervisor of Independent Living and one of the first DeafBlind runners trained through Guiding Eyes for the Blind's Running Guides program. Her challenge to us all is simple: "I'm running. Are you in?"

Whether you register individually or form a team with friends, family, or colleagues, your virtual participation makes a real difference.

Event Details:
📅 Virtual Participation Dates: September 14–26, 2026 (Participate from anywhere in Colorado!)
📍 In-Person Event: Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Sands Point Preserve, NY

How to Join:
- Register or Start a Team Today: helenkeller.org/events/5krunwalk2026/

07/20/2026

📢 Calling all researchers, nonprofits, and community organizations!

A significant new grant opportunity is available from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) focusing on employment outcomes for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program is currently accepting applications for projects that conduct research geared toward creating positive employment outcomes for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Grant Details:
💰 Award Amount: $695,000 to $700,000
📅 Project Period: 36 months (three 12-month budget periods)
🏢 Eligibility: Open to state/local governments, tribal organizations, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and for-profit businesses (foreign entities are not eligible).
⏰ Application Deadline: August 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET

How to Apply & Learn More:
- Apply via Grants.gov: Visit www.grants.gov and search for Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2026-ACL-NIDILRR-DPEM-0223
- Additional Information: Find more details on applying at acl.gov/grants/applying-grants

Questions?
For specific questions regarding this grant, please contact Angel Miles at [email protected].

Please share this with your networks to help us fund vital research for our community!

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07/17/2026

📢 Make your voice heard and help shape the future of healthcare!

Sidney Baker, a genetic counseling student at the University of Kansas Medical Center, is looking for participants for a new research study. The goal of this survey is to help doctors and genetic counselors better understand Deafhood and shift toward a cultural model of care that respects deafness as a unique heritage and linguistic identity, rather than just a medical condition.

Study Details:
👤 Who Can Join: Anyone who identifies as Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, or DeafBlind, and uses American Sign Language (ASL), Black American Sign Language (BASL), or other visual/tactile communication methods as their preferred way to communicate.

🤟 Accessibility: The survey includes embedded videos explaining the study, signed in ASL by a Certified Deaf Interpreter!

🔗 How to Participate: If you are interested in sharing your insights to help improve healthcare communication, you can fill out the online survey here: https://redcap.kumc.edu/surveys/?s=HM9TAK3YPF8D4D97

Questions?
If you have any questions about the study, please reach out directly to Sidney Baker via email at [email protected].

Hello! Thank you for your interest in this study. Below, you will find more information in video form, signed by a Certified Deaf Interpreter, in American Sign Language. Transcripts to the videos are also provided in written English.