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Massachusetts Commission for the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Line Item	Description	FY01	FY05	H1 for FY06	House Budget for FY06
4125-0100	MCDHH	$5,656,825	$5,264,267	$5,373,170	$5,373,170
4125-0101	Interpreter Srvcs. Ret. Rev.	105,000	175,000*	175,000*	175,000
4125-0122	Interpreter Chargeback	120,000	160,000*	160,000*	160,000
Totals	MCDHH	5,881,825	5,599,267	5,708,170	5,708,170
* Note: MCDHH collects about $15,000 less than the combined ceilings for these revenue accounts.

This chapter focuses on the House of Representatives’ FY06 budget recommendations for the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH). For additional information on the impacts of FY01–FY05 budget cuts and more details about program services, go to the People First website at www.mass.gov/mddc/peoplefirst/index.html and click on the MCDHH chapter in the Volume I table of contents.

HOUSE BUDGET OVERVIEW

For MCDHH as a whole, both the House budget and H1 for FY06 recommend an increase of $108,903 (2%). The budgets would maintain services at the FY05 level. Advocates are requesting an increase of $558,903 for MCDHH in FY06.

Line Item Analysis

Unlike other agencies serving people with disabilities, MCDHH has one account for all its program funding, matched by 2 accounts for reimbursements from the federal government and other state agencies. Because of this funding structure, the charts are not reproduced within the analysis below.

Program: After Hours Emergency Interpreter Services

The After Hours Emergency Interpreter Services program provides on-call interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing persons experiencing medical, mental health, and legal emergencies that require immediate assistance. Funds for this program extend the regular weekday service into night and weekend hours by forwarding calls to the pagers of interpreters on duty in each region of the state.

FY06 Needs

To provide full coverage statewide, $400,000 is needed for this program. MCDHH has established the need for an additional $160,000 for this service in FY06.

House Budget Recommendations

Both the House budget and H1 for FY06 would maintain services at the FY05 level.

Program: Staff and Community Interpreter Services

The Staff and Community Interpreter Services program funds interpreters for deaf, late deafened, and hard of hearing individuals. Legal interpreters provide court room interpretation.

FY06 Needs

MCDHH has established the need for an additional $125,000 in FY06 for communication access for substance abuse services.

House Budget Recommendations

Both the House budget and H1 for FY06 would maintain services at the FY05 level.

Program: Interpreting and CART (Communication Access Real Time Interpreting) Referral Services

The Interpreting and CART (Communication Access Real Time Interpreting) Referral Services program provides stenographers and computer equipment to individuals and organizations to help provide accommodations for persons with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other state and local statutes.

FY06 Needs

In FY05, this program is suffering from a severe shortage in freelance interpreters and the elimination of 3 of MCDHH’s referral specialist positions. MCDHH has established the need for an additional $100,000 in FY06 for CART services.

House Budget Recommendations

Both the House budget and H1 for FY06 would maintain services at the FY05 level.

Program: Communication Access, Training and Technology Services (CATTS)

The Communication Access, Training and Technology Services (CATTS) department within MCDHH provides general information and referrals, education and training, and technical assistance for assistive technology. CATTS services help other state agencies to understand their legal responsibilities to provide accommodations for deaf, late deafened, and hard of hearing persons, and hence creates access for these persons to a range of public and private services.

FY06 Needs

Since FY01, these services have been cut by 50%. Restorations are critical for ensuring deaf individuals’ access to other state services, as well as adequate enforcement of ADA rights.

House Budget Recommendations

Both the House budget and H1 for FY06 would maintain services at the FY05 level.

Program: Hard of Hearing Outreach

The Hard of Hearing Outreach program had been responsible for publicizing services that can meet the needs of hard of hearing residents in the state.

FY06 Needs

In FY02, funds for Hard of Hearing Outreach were eliminated—a $250,000 loss. Program restoration would help ensure that individuals in need of deaf and hard of hearing services can access them.

House Budget Recommendations

Neither the House budget nor H1 for FY06 restores this program.

Program: Case Management

The Case Management program assists deaf, hard of hearing, and late deafened persons in coordinating and navigating the range of supports they may need. The total MCDHH adult/child caseload was approximately 3,420 in FY04.

FY06 Needs

New clients currently have to wait 6 weeks to be contacted by a case manager. MCDHH has established the need for an additional $225,000 in FY06 for case management and social services positions.

House Budget Recommendations

Both the House budget and H1 for FY06 would maintain services at the FY05 level.

Program: Assistive Technology

Through the Assistive Technology program, MCDHH provides “funds of last resort” for supports that enable low-income individuals to live independently. These include: hearing aids; hearing aid repairs; Assistive Listening Devices; closed caption television decoders; baby cry lights; doorbell lights; visual/vibrating alarm clocks and smoke alarms; door knock lights; and other devices.

FY06 Needs

The waiting list is currently at 123 persons. The deaf community is advocating for all health insurance providers to cover a minimum of 85% of the cost of hearing aids. Hearing aids cost $2,000–3,000 and last an average of 5 years. It is estimated that only 25% of people who would benefit from hearing aids receive effective hearing-related health care.

House Budget Recommendations

Both the House budget and H1 for FY06 would maintain services at the FY05 level.

Program: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Independent Living Services (DHILS)

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Independent Living Services (DHILS) programs are operated through a statewide network of 10 private, nonprofit agencies. DHILS agencies employ persons who are themselves deaf, late deafened, or hard of hearing as Independent Living Specialists to work with individuals to set and achieve their own personal goals for independent functioning. The DHILS programs serve approximately 1,360 individuals annually.

FY06 Needs

In FY02, DHILS agencies were cut by 8%. They have received no increases since. MCDHH has requested an additional $100,000 in FY06 for DHILS.

House Budget Recommendations

Both the House budget and H1 for FY06 would maintain services at the FY05 level.