About Us

Leading up to 1991, a group of concerned stakeholders agreed that centralized, state-level coordination of deaf and hard of hearing services was lacking in Idaho. They formed a task force, wrote a charter, lobbied the Legislature, and received funding. The Council was approved by the Legislature shortly thereafter.

The CDHH Board includes two persons who are deaf, two who are hard of hearing, a parent of a deaf child, a parent of a hard-of-hearing child, an audiologist, a physician, and a sign language interpreter. The Board sets annual priorities and determines strategic direction. The Board also consists of ten ex-officio members representing various state agencies and organizations with a stake in issues relating to deafness and hearing loss. The Executive Director and staff administer programs and daily operations.

By statute, the Council is responsible for increasing awareness, advocating for equal access, providing information and referrals, monitoring consumer protection, recommending public policies and programs, conducting research, and submitting reports to the Governor and policymakers.

The Board meets quarterly to discuss progress on goals and establish priorities. Meetings are open to the public and are entirely accessible. Citizens are given the opportunity to express their views on issues.