The Vermont Legislature, in Act 118 of the 2018 legislative session, directed the Department of Public Service (PSD or Department), in consultation with the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL), to undertake a study regarding the establishment of a communication facilitator program for DeafBlind individuals in Vermont. The communication facilitator (CF) program would enable DeafBlind individuals to be able to make telephone calls via videophone and the video relay service through the use of tactile interpreters.
The PSD is soliciting input from representatives and members of the DeafBlind community, as well as reviewing similar programs offered in other jurisdictions, and will present a report and recommendations to the Legislature by December 15, 2018.
To better understand public interest and the issues involved, the Department is inviting the public to a meeting on August 27, 2018, to receive input, ideas, and feedback on the creation of a CF program in Vermont. Details about the meeting are as follows:
When: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday, August 27, 2018
Where: the Vermont Department of Health
108 Cherry Street, Conference Room 2B,
Burlington, VT 05402
For more information, please contact Sunni Eriksen or Clay Purvis at the Department of Public Service.