About IDHHC
The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) is the state agency that advocates for and promotes legal requirements to ensure effective communication for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Illinois.
The Commission actively promotes the independence of deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind individuals through the provision of technical assistance and training to enhance public and private programs, and through the development and advocacy of legislative and policy recommendations that ensure accessibility.
The Commission provides comprehensive statewide resources to assist the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities in Illinois.
Mission
The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission shall promote system change, community education and collaboration to advance effective communication access for all individuals with hearing loss in Illinois.
Background
The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission was established by the state legislature under the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission Act (20 ILCS 3932/1 et seq.) in 1997. The Commission is also a regulatory authority responsible for the enforcement of the Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007.