Official Government Website
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE
The Council is governed by a nine-member, governor-appointed board, eleven ex-officio board members represent state agencies and organizations. The Executive Director and staff members administer programs and daily operations.
ABOUT THE COUNCIL
Leading up to 1991, a group of concerned stakeholders agreed that centralized, state-level coordination of deaf and hard of hearing services was lacking in Idaho. They formed a task force, wrote a charter, lobbied the Legislature, and received funding. The Council was approved by the Legislature shortly thereafter.
The CDHH Board includes two individuals who are deaf, two who are hard of hearing, a parent of a deaf child, a parent of a hard of hearing child, an audiologist, a medical doctor, and a signed language interpreter. The Board sets annual priorities and determines strategic direction. The Board also consists of eleven ex-officio members who represent various state agencies and organizations that have a stake in issues relating to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Executive Director and staff administer programs and daily operations.
By statute, the Council is responsible for increasing awareness, advocating for equal access, providing information and referrals, monitoring consumer protection, recommending public policies and programs, conducting research, and submitting reports to the Governor and policymakers.
The Board meets quarterly to discuss progress on goals and establish priorities. All of our meetings are open to the public and are completely accessible. We always allow time for citizens to express their views on issues.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Member who is hard of hearing and who represents an organization of individuals who are hard of hearing
Boise, Idaho
(2nd term) Term Expires 7/1/2021
emiliebanasiak@hamiltonrelay.com
Member who is deaf and who represents an organization of individuals who are deaf
Meridian, Idaho
(2nd term)
Term Expires 7/1/2021
Steven.birkby@iesdb.org
Member who is an interpreter
Nampa, Idaho
(3rd term)
Term Expires 7/1/2021
joelynne.ball@gmail.com
Member who is the parent of a child who is hard of hearing
Boise, Idaho
(2nd term)
Term Expires 7/1/2022
gretchen.fors@gmail.com
Member who is the parent of a child who is Deaf
Boise, Idaho
(1st term)
Term expires 7/1/2022
msvalerie.player@gmail.com
Member who is a physician
Boise, ID
(2nd term)
Term Expires 7/1/2022
RobisoJ@slhs.org
Member who is hard of hearing and is over the age of 60
Nampa, Idaho
(1st term)
Term Expires 7/1/2021
mgkubalik@gmail.com
Member who is an audiologist
Nampa, Idaho
(2nd term)
Term Expires 7/1/2022
savagek@slhs.org