Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH)

The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is the principal agency in the Commonwealth on behalf of people of all ages who are deaf and hard of hearing, established by Chapter 716 of the Acts of 1985, which amended Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6 §191-197.

To fulfill this function, MCDHH is mandated to:

• promulgate and coordinate public policy;
• deliver technical assistance and resources for other state agencies as needed;
• advocate;
• provide or ensure provision of direct specialized services including but not limited to case management, communication access services, technology services including telecommunication and assistive listening devices, independent living services, information services, and such other services as it determines are needed;
• carry out public education;
• ensure the accessibility and quality of existing services and recommend new services as needed;
• make recommendations to the Governor.

Our Vision is a Commonwealth where universal access is the standard for ensuring that Deaf and hard of hearing people fully participate in all areas of life. The estimated number of Deaf and hard of hearing is 20% of the general population. The current MA census is 7,029,917; the estimation for MA Deaf and hard of hearing is: 1,405,983.

Priority Areas to reach our Vision

Effective Government
Facilitate effective public policy and operations that recognize and address the concerns of Deaf and hard of hearing consumers and employees.

Community Connected Services
Advocate and support access for Deaf and hard of hearing in the community.

Education
Ensure that Deaf and hard of hearing children receive a quality education based on national standards.

Workforce Development
Expand the pool of Interpreters, CART providers and qualified ASL proficient human service personnel in the Commonwealth.

Donations accepted by mail to MCDHH Chief Financial Officer, 600 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111.