The Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing works with individuals, service providers, businesses, organizations, and state agencies to improve the lives and opportunities of all Missourians with hearing loss.

The Missouri Commission for the Deaf (MCD) was established by the Missouri Legislature in 1988 with the passage of House Bill 1385. The MCD office opened in July 1990 and was housed at the Missouri School for the Deaf until late 1994. At that time the office was moved to Jefferson City. The name was changed to the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) in 2002 with the passage of House Bill 1783.

About Brochure History Of Bills

Vision

As a dynamic, evolving organization, the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will be a recognized, impartial leader in providing innovative, proactive public services to improve the quality of life for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind Missourians.

Mission

Provide effective and efficient leadership, education, advocacy and programs to eliminate barriers and to meet the social, economic, educational, cultural and intellectual needs of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind Missourians.

Guiding Principals

Leadership

We are committed to providing strong, visionary leadership that encourages initiatives, advocates for policies and programs for those whom we serve, and fosters open supportive communication.

Innovation

We are committed to proactive, creative and strategic approaches in the continuous evaluation and improvement of our services.

Equality

We are committed to ensuring that all Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind Missourians receive equitable, or fair, opportunities to live, work and contribute just as all other citizens of Missouri

Public Service as a Public Trust

As public servants, we are committed to being open, ethical, and accountable. We are also dedicated to the public we serve and to fostering an honest environment free of bias with respect to all individuals. We are committed to delivering all service fairly and ethically, and will be place the needs of Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind Missourians at the center of our activities.

Public Policy

MCDHH initiates legislation beneficial to deaf and hard of hearing Missourians and advocates for its passage. MCDHH also assists the legislature and other state agencies in the development of non-statutory public policies positively affecting people with hearing loss.

Legal Mandates RSMo 161.405

The Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing functions as an agency of the state to advocate public policies, regulations, and programs to improve the quality and coordination of existing services for deaf and hard of hearing persons, and to promote new services whenever necessary. The commission shall:

  • Promote deaf awareness to the general public and serve as a consultant to any public agency needing information regarding deafness.
  • Develop a system of state certification for those individuals serving as interpreters of the deaf.
  • Maintain the quality of interpreting services.
  • Maintain a census of persons with a hearing loss in Missouri – Census of Persons with Hearing Loss.
  • Promote the development of a plan which advocates the initiation of improved physical and mental health services for deaf Missourians.
  • Conduct or make available workshops or seminars as needed for educating nondeaf individuals of the problems associated with deafness and ways by which these groups or agencies can more effectively interact with those who are deaf.
  • Promote the development of services for deaf adults, such as shelter homes, independent living, skill training facilities and post-school educational training which will help provide for those deaf individuals requiring such services an opportunity to live independently.
  • Establish a network for effective communication among the deaf adult community and promote the establishment of TDD relay services where needed.
  • Develop and establish interpreting services for state.
Glossary of Abbreviations
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