Today, it is estimated that over one million Pennsylvanians live with deafness and hearing loss. Unfortunately, resources for assistive technology and communication supports like certified interpreters are not available for many in the deaf and hard of hearing communities. In Pennsylvania, the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) provides that support with hearing aids and other technology, and it registers interpreters statewide. It needs more to support to do this work.
 
To address this problem, I will be introducing legislation giving applicants the option to voluntarily donate $5 to ODHH when applying for or renewing a driver’s license, ID card, or vehicle registration online through PennDOT’s website. Any donations received in this manner would be used exclusively to provide communication access for the deaf and hard of hearing community and cannot be used for any administrative or unrelated costs. 
 
As one of the many Pennsylvanians who lives with deafness and hearing loss, I rely on my hearing aids every single day. We need to do more so that others like me have access to the same lifechanging technology. 
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation to assist the deaf and hard of hearing communities.