The Communication Access, Training and Technology Services Department (CATTS) acts as the initial information resource for the public related to issues of deafness and hearing loss.
Typical requests involve requests for information on MCDHH services, statistics on the incidence of hearing loss, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and state and federal laws and legislation related to all aspects of communication access.
We also receive frequent inquiries about hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices and other assistive technology, as well as on programs and support services for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, interpreter/CART issues, and the creation of accessible informational vlogs with ASL and closed captions.
The CATTS Department also provides:
Technical assistance on the implementation of assistive technology and auxiliary aids and services: The CATTS Department offers information and training to private and public agencies, professional organizations, businesses and individuals on all aspects of assistive technology and other services related to enabling communication access for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. We provide non-binding site evaluations and recommend best practices to establish/enhance communication access for Deaf, hard of hearing and late deafened patrons or employees, and bring the requesting entity into compliance with the ADA and other applicable laws addressing communication access.
Publications: The CATTS Department creates a number of informative publications, including the Modern Guide to Hearing Loss, the COVID-19 Communication Card, and the Visor Card for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Drivers. CATTS also creates many of the agency's accessible VLOG information resources.
To schedule a training or for more information, please complete an online form. Form is located under the video link.
