Department of Human Services

For Immediate Release:  February 8, 2013

Services for the Deaf

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Director’s Office is reviewing an earlier decision made by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to terminate its Interpreter Referral Service and Adjustment Services for Persons Who are Deaf, Blind and Deaf-Blind programs.

Interpreter Referral Services assists the deaf, hard of hearing and the deaf-blind community to obtain and maintain employment   The Adjustment Services program provides independent living training services to individuals who are deaf, blind and deaf-blind.

“We recognize the community value of these programs,” says Director Patricia McManaman. “These are not services the DHS wants to discontinue, and we are making every effort to ensure continuity of these services.”

For more information about the DHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation visit https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/vocational-rehabilitation/

Media Contact:  Kayla Rosenfeld, Communications Specialist & Public Information

586-4892 ; https://humanservices.hawaii.gov