About the Commission
The Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH) is known throughout the community as a resource for self-advocacy and community empowerment.
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We proudly serve Arizona residents with hearing loss through community involvement and partnerships with local agencies and organizations. We are committed to expanding resources and identifying opportunities for improved quality of life.
Information and Referral
ACDHH maintains an extensive directory of resources and services available to the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing communities. The directory is used to make referrals to assist consumers in need of information for employment, housing, education and much, much more.
Empowerment
ACDHH strives to empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to become self-advocates by informing them about their rights, the laws and programs available to support those rights. Advocates are available to act on behalf of consumers as needed.
Community Development
ACDHH works closely with community leaders to determine the resources available, and those that need to be expanded or created to better serve Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing citizens throughout the state of Arizona.
Outreach and Education
ACDHH provides valuable outreach and educational opportunities throughout the State. The workshops and information sessions include but are not limited to: Hearing loss, Deaf Culture, ADA and Civil Rights information; legal rights; employment issues and concerns; training for 9-1-1 trainers, as well as a Healthcare Curriculum for medical professionals and a Public Safety Curriculum for First Responders.
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The purpose of the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH) is to ensure, in partnership with the public and private sector, accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing to improve their quality of life.
The Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing provides the following services to the citizens of Arizona:
Telecommunications Relay Service
ACDHH administers a statewide 24-hour telephone relay service. This service is free to all hearing, Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Speech Impaired Arizona residents. To place a call through the Arizona Relay Service, call 7-1-1
Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
ACDHH provides telephone equipment for qualified residents who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Speech Impaired, or Deaf-Blind.
American Sign Language Interpreter Licensure
The law establishing licensure; A.R.S. 36-1946, was passed by the Arizona State Legislature in 2000. It is designed to create a statewide standard for sign language interpreters. There are more than 400 licensed professionals in the state of Arizona. To view Licensure rules click here rules start at R9-26-501.
Empowerment
By informing Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals about their rights and the laws and programs available to support those rights, they can become empowered as self-advocates. Advocates are available to act on behalf of consumers as needed.
Community Development
ACDHH works closely with community leaders to determine the resources available, and those that need to be expanded or created to better serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing citizens in each region.
Statutes
A.R.S. § 17.1 governs the work of our agency as we serve to fulfill our statutes which can be found by clicking here.
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Sherri Collins
Executive Director
Phone: (602) 542-3383 V/TTY
Carmen Green Smith
Deputy Director
Phone: (602) 542-3362 V/TTY
VP: (480) 264-0186PICTURE COMING SOON
Sue Kay Kneifel
Business Manager
Phone: (602) 542-3857 V/TTYPICTURE COMING SOON
Nikki Soukup
Director of Public Policy and Community Relations
Phone: (602) 429-0318 V/VP
Chyla Dalton-Nava
Assistant to the Executive Director
Phone: (602) 542-3383 V/TTY
VP: (602) 675-9540Sherita Teachey
Information & Referral Coordinator
Phone: (602) 542-3323 V/TTY
Phone: (602) 364-0990 TTY
Phone: (800) 354-8161
VP: (480) 559-9441Beca Bailey
Community Engagement Liaison
Phone: (602) 542-3358 TTY
Phone: (602) 542-3846 Voice Messaging
VP: (480) 264-0189Shari Burda
Business Operations Coordinator
Phone: (602) 542-3363 V/TTY
VP: (602) 761-9543Laricsa Herrera
Business Operations Assistant
Phone: (602) 364-0987 V/TTYSandra Regalado
Business Operations Accounting Specialist
Phone: (602) 542-3878 V/TTYVictoria Vaughn
Licensing and Compliance Specialist
Phone: (602) 364-0986 V/TTY
VP: (602) 726-0862Amory Goodale
Communications Access Specialist
Phone: (602) 542-3659 V
VP: (480) 264-0188Cameo Hunsaker
Interpreter Professional Development Specialist
Phone: (602) 542-3871 VRicky Gonsowski
Technical Operations Analyst
Phone: (480)594-6845 V
Phone: (480) 808-8511 VPMichele Michaels
Hard of Hearing Program Manager
Phone: (602) 364-0007 VChristy Abrams
Hard of Hearing Specialist
Phone: (602) 542-1124 VKimberly Minard
Deaf Specialist
Phone: (480) 360-1148 VP
Phone: (602) 542-3362 VJulie Stylinski
DeafBlind Specialist
Phone: (602) 726-4109 VP
Phone: (480) 296-9228 TextVicki Thompson
Program Planner
Phone: (602) 542-3365 V/TTY -
A.R.S. § 17.1 governs the work of our agency as we serve to fulfill our statutes which can be found by clicking here.