Department of Human Services

For Immediate Release: March 1, 2013

Following an internal review and weeks of discussions with members of the deaf, hard of
hearing and deaf-blind community, the Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of
Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) will be soliciting proposals from qualified applicants to provide
Interpreter Referral Service and Adjustment Services for Persons Who are Deaf, Blind and
Deaf-Blind programs for FY 2014.

“We heard the community’s concerns about a diminished quality of life without these
services,” said DHS Director, Patricia McManaman. “These are not programs the Department
wants to eliminate. Our mission is to empower people to live as independently as possible.”

The Interpreter Referral Services program assists the deaf, hard of hearing and the deaf-blind
community to obtain and maintain employment. In FY 2012, this service received an
estimated 5,800 referrals. The Adjustment Services program provides needed employment
support and other services to individuals who are deaf, blind and deaf-blind. In FY 2012, this
program served an estimated 400 people.

Media Contact: Kayla Rosenfeld, Communications Specialist

586-4892; [email protected];

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