There is established a Bureau of Services for Persons Who Are Deaf, Deafblind or Hard of Hearing within the Department of Aging and Disability Services.
Please note Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind Services from Aging and Disability Services and other State of Connecticut Health and Human Services Agencies will be listed on this page in accordance with Public Act No 22-31 - An Act Concerning Standards for Interpreters for Deaf, DeafBlind, And Hard Of Hearing Persons.
ADS resources for people who are Deaf
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 resource guide is intended to provide information and does not endorse any agencies or services. IF you have information to add or correct, please reach out to us at ADS.dhohcounseling@ct.gov
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Interpreter Registry
The Department of Aging and Disability Services is responsible for maintaining a list of registered interpreters in Connecticut. If you are interpreting in Connecticut, complete the Registration Form (PDF). Then, email it and the required documents to ADS.Interpreting@ct.gov. Please also email ADS.Interpreting@ct.gov with any questions you may have about the registry.
Human Services Advocate - Aging and Disability Services
The department has a Human Services Advocate to act as the main contact for any Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind consumers on communication access issues. To find out more watch the ASL video Meet Alvin.
Contact information:
- E-mail: Alvin.Chege@ct.gov
- Video Phone: 860-899-1551
VR Counselors for the Deaf
VR Counselors for the Deaf provide services for job seekers who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. They develop partnerships and share information for consumers and their families about employment options. This helps them make informed choices about the rehabilitation process.
Other resources for people who are Deaf
Please note Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind Services from Aging and Disability Services and other State of Connecticut Health and Human Services Agencies will be listed on this page in accordance with Public Act No 22-31 - AN ACT CONCERNING STANDARDS FOR INTERPRETERS FOR DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING PERSONS
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Interpreting: If 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, resources, and supports for integrating people with disabilities fully into their communities to promote equal opportunities, self-determination, and respect.
- Relay Services Contact: Aging and Disability Services serves as point of contact with PURA and the FCC on CT’s telecommunications Relay Services contract, which includes serving on the Relay CT Board.
Resources from other state agencies for people who are Deaf
Department of Social Services
- Services and links the Department of Social Services Services (DSS) offers for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing and 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 Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) / Language Translation Services - DSS’s Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is the on-demand service that provides communication between deaf or hard of hearing persons and hearing persons that are in the same location, utilizing an interpreter by way of a computer with a webcam and Internet connection or a tablet using a cellular connection.
- Benefits:
- On-demand services – no need to schedule in advance
- Average speed of answer
- Experienced video interpreters
- Clear audio and video quality
- Quiet, private locations
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
- Services and links the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) offers for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind (please note, this will open the DMHAS webpage).