Georgia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Georgia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GaCDHH) is composed of 12 members; ten who are appointed by the Governor, one who is appointed by the Senate Committee on Assignments, and one who is appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Commission is the primary state agency responsible for advocating to the Governor’s office and the General Assembly to ensure deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) persons have equal access to the services, programs, and opportunities available to other Georgians.

What does the Georgia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing do?

• Advocates on behalf of persons who are DHH by working to ensure those persons have equal access to the services, programs, and opportunities available to others;
• Assists persons who are DHH and parents of children and students who are DHH in advocating for equal access to services, programs, and opportunities;
• Advises the governor, general assembly, commissioner of Human Services (DHS), and commissioner of Community Health (DCH) on the development of policies, programs, and services affecting persons  who are DHH and on the use of appropriate federal and state moneys for such purposes;
• Creates a public awareness of the special needs and potential of persons who are DHH;
• Recommends to the governor, general assembly, commissioner of DHS, and commissioner of DCH legislation designed to improve the economic and social conditions of persons who are DHH;
• Proposes solutions to problems of persons  who are DHH in the areas of education, employment, human rights, human services, health, housing, and other related programs;
• Works with other state and federal agencies and private organizations to promote economic development for persons who are DHH;
• Coordinates its efforts with other state and local agencies serving persons who are DHH.