Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

09/18/2026

VDDHH’s Karen Rhoads joined the 2026 Virginia Sheriff Association (VSA) Annual Fall Conference in Virginia Beach, networking with Sheriffs and Deputies from across Virginia. She is shown with Sheriff Antionette V. Irving, City of Richmond who served as VSA President for 2025–2026. Also pictured with Karen: Lt. Corporal Robert Mosier, Loudoun County, Sheriff Mike Taylor of Pittsylvania County and Sheriff Mike Mondul, City of Danville.

Virginia Sheriffs' Association (VSA) Richmond City Sheriff's Office Loudoun County Sheriff's Office

09/08/2026

https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/proclamations/proclamation-list/deaf-awareness-month.html
Certification of Recognition
by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized: DEAF AWARENESS MONTH

WHEREAS, an estimated 863,000 Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals call Virginia home; and

WHEREAS, people who identify as deaf belong to a cultural and linguistic community with shared language, social norms, and history; and

WHEREAS, residents who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing contribute meaningfully to the vitality of the Commonwealth, and Virginia is enriched by the diverse heritage, language, and culture of the Deaf community; and

WHEREAS, Virginia recognizes Deaf Awareness Month as a time to commemorate the First Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, held in September 1951, promote greater public understanding of the communication barriers faced by the Deaf community, and highlight its rich culture; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides services, including advocacy for communication access, consultation, deaf culture, and American Sign Language (ASL) awareness, information and referral to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals across the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize September 2026 as DEAF AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

09/03/2026

In the observance of Labor Day Holiday, VDDHH will be closing early on Friday, September 4th at 12:00 pm and we are closed on Monday, September 7, 2026. We will resume our regular operations on Tuesday, September 8th at 8:15 am. Have a safe long weekend!

09/02/2026

🤟 Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community — Become a Community Health Worker!

Our next CHW Training Class begins September 25, 2026!

Become a Community Health Worker (CHW) and use your lived experience, knowledge, and connection to advocate, educate, and support the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

🎥 Want to learn more about what CHWs do?
Watch our trainer explain the role of Community Health Workers:
https://youtu.be/5yRUI-OOhPI?feature=shared

🎓 Scholarship funding is available!
When registering, check the box that says “Pay Offline” to activate the scholarship fund.

👉 Register now:
https://chwofva.corsizio.com/event/6a83445bbf864b2f758fc475

🤟 Be a CHW for your community, in your community.

The Virginia Community Health Worker Association (VACHWA) is devote...

09/01/2026

Who loves dogs? Consider assistance by having a trained dog for your daily living, support, guidance and communication? VDDHH is excited to release Service Animals Resources for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind. In the packet, you will find easy explanation about the different types of support and service animals. Click on here: https://vddhh.virginia.gov/Information_and_Referral.htm

08/30/2026

💻Virtual Pals Group
This student-led virtual pal group is for students who are deaf and hard of hearing in Virginia. Sessions are held monthly, beginning in October 2026 and ending in April 2027.

➡For information: Scan the QR code or click here: https://airtable.com/appmecLFxedLhlX2o/shr9T89uYy38Y5cWY

📣About the Group:
Elementary students will be matched up with Middle or High School students during this virtual meet-up. This is an opportunity for students to build confidence, create new friendships, and develop positive attitudes. All communication modalities are welcome!

🔎Important Information
Participation in this group is voluntary.
Parental consent is required to participate.
All information regarding this program will be sent to the email provided during registration.

❓For questions, please email: [email protected]

👥This event is being sponsored by the Technical Assistance Center for Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TAC-DHH), the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Virginia Hands and Voices, and the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind Outreach Program (VSDB).

08/22/2026

You can also follow on Instagram to see more.

08/21/2026

VDDHH's Community Services and Telecommunication programs returned to the Hampton 3‑1‑1 Citizen Contact Center for a second training session on effective communication with individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, or who have speech disabilities. We reinforced best practices in accessibility and telecommunication strategies, and provided available resources. Thank you to the Hampton 3‑1‑1 team for your continued enthusiasm and commitment to creating a more inclusive experience for Hampton residents!

Hampton, VA - Gov

08/19/2026

Save the Date! VDDHH Open House! It is Deaf Awareness Month in September. Let's celebrate language, culture, and history! Friday, September 25th and Saturday, September 26th from 10 am to 3 pm. Excited to see you there!

08/14/2026

Good news!!!!
On VDDHH's Information and Referral page: https://www.vddhh.virginia.gov/information_and_referral.htm We now have four (4) information packets/directories available in seven (7) languages!

Informational resources:
2026 Directory of Services
American Sign Language Resource Packet
Hearing Aid Resource Packet
Smart APP Packet

Language available in:
English
Spanish
Arabic
Korean
Tagalog
Vietnamese
Chinese