As outlined in Bill S-66 and Act 107 of 2016 established the Vermont Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind (D/HH/DB) Advisory Council. The council is mandated to submit an annual report to the Legislature and Governor’s Office, providing updates and recommendations.
The council is comprised of members who contribute a diverse range of experience and knowledge from professional, community and family perspectives. It is guided by a mission statement at improving the lives of individuals in Vermont who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind . The mission emphasizes promoting diversity, equality, awareness, and access through policy recommendations. These recommendations are aimed at shaping quality improvement initiatives and policy implementation to address the needs of individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind in Vermont.
The council focuses on identifying areas where services and resources for the D/HH/DB community are lacking. By providing recommendations, the council aims to address these gaps and improve the lives of individuals with hearing and visual impairments in the state.
Information about the Vermont Statue and Board Members are listed here. Below will lead you to the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the council's agendas and meeting minutes from the past few years. The current co-chairpersons are Spenser Weppler and William Pendlebury.
Upcoming Meetings for 2023
The council meetings are scheduled on the third Thursday every two month as follows: January 19th, March 16th, May 18th (in person), July 13th, September 21st, and November 16th.
The meetings will take place from 9:30 am to 12 pm. They are open to the public. Some of the meetings are designated as in person at the Waterbury State Complex Office, while others may be held virtually. If you are interested in attending any of these meetings, reach out to either Sabine Perry or Laura Siegel.