Back to Hawaii News index
|
|
|
Posted: Friday, February 22nd, 2013 10:58 AM HST
|
|
|
|
Advocates for the deaf concerned about services
|
|
|
|
|
HONOLULU (AP) — Deaf people and their advocates are fighting to keep state-funded services for the deaf. The state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has said that some services for the deaf will end on June 30, and that reportedly has some people .
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser says that has some people very concerned. The Department of Human Services says it is premature to worry. The agency says it is searching for funds to preserve a state-funded interpreter referral and independent living services for the deaf. And, it says, it is reviewing the two contracts.
Advocates for the deaf say hundreds of deaf and hard-of-hearing people rely on the services. Ami Tsuji-Jones, a spokeswoman for the deaf community, says without the referral service, deaf people will be left scrambling to find qualified interpreters for different situations, including at work.
|
|
