Frequently Asked Questions
Are individuals paid for serving on the Commission?
Are interpreters provided at meetings of the Commission?
Are meetings of the Commission open to the public?
How does an interested person get appointed to the Commission?
How large is the staff of the Commission?
How often does the Commission meet?
How old is the Commission?
What do I need to do if I want to make a presentation to the Commission?
What is the mission of the Commission?
What kinds of people are on the Commission?
Where does the Commission meet?
Who do I contact if I have other questions about the Commission?
Are individuals paid for serving on the Commission?
The law stipulates that Commissioners will receive no compensation for their services. However, they are entitled to be reimbursed for their expenses incurred while conducting Commission business.
Are interpreters provided at meetings of the Commission?
Yes, interpreters are provided at all meetings of the Commission. Other accommodations will be provided upon request.
Are meetings of the Commission open to the public?
Yes, generally speaking, all meetings of the Commission are open to the public. However, part or all of any Commission meeting can be closed if it relates to any of the topics specified in the Missouri Sunshine Law (Section 610.021, RSMo).
How does an interested person get appointed to the Commission?
Anyone who is interested in serving on the Commission should first contact the Executive Director of the Commission, indicate your interest, and request an application form. An application form will be sent to you. Complete the application, attach your resume, and return the materials to the executive director. The executive director will arrange for a personal interview with you, and will later forward your application materials to the Governor’s office either with or without a supporting recommendation. The Governor makes all appointments to the Commission.
How large is the staff of the Commission?
The Commission has seven staff members, an Executive Director, Office Support Specialist, Missouri Interpreter Certification System (MICS) Coordinator, Community Support Liaison, Staff Interpreter, Interpreter Certification Specialist and Information Program Specialist.
How often does the Commission meet?
The Commission normally meets at least four times a year.
How old is the Commission?
The Commission was created in 1988 with the passage of House Bill 1385. It began office operations in July of 1990. The office was housed at the Missouri School for the Deaf from 1990 until 1994, at which time it was moved to Jefferson City.
What do I need to do if I want to make a presentation to the Commission?
The bylaws of the Commission specify that if a person wants to make a presentation to the Commission they must make such a request in writing to the Executive Director of the Commission at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting in which they wish to participate.
What is the mission of the Commission?
The Commission functions as an agency of the state to advocate for public policies, regulations, and programs to improve the quality and coordination of existing services for individuals with hearing loss, and to promote new services whenever necessary. To these ends, the Commission works with individuals, service providers, businesses, organizations, and state agencies to improve the lives and opportunities of all Missourians with hearing loss.
What kinds of people are on the Commission?
The Commission has nine members. Two must be deaf or hard of hearing; one represents the business community; one must be an interpreter; one must be a parent of a deaf or hard of hearing child; one must be a representative of either the Missouri School for the Deaf or the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; one must be a representative of local public school administration; one must be a representative of a deaf or hard of hearing organization; and one must be a professional from one of the following fields: audiology, psychology, speech pathology, mental health or medicine.
Where does the Commission meet?
The Commission normally meets in the conference room of its office at 3216 Emerald Lane, Suite B in Jefferson City, Missouri. However, the Commission may at its discretion meet at any location in the state of Missouri.
Who do I contact if I have other questions about the Commission?
If you have any questions concerning the Commission you should contact the Executive Director at the MCDHH office.