Are individuals paid for serving on the Commission?
The law stipulates that Commissioners will receive no compensation for their
services. However, they are entitled to be reimbursed for their expenses
incurred while conducting Commission business.
Are interpreters provided at meetings of the
Commission?
Yes, interpreters are provided at all meetings of the Commission. Other
accommodations will be provided upon request.
Are meetings of the Commission open to the public?
Yes, generally speaking, all meetings of the Commission are open to the
public. However, part or all of any Commission meeting can be closed if it
relates to any of the topics specified in the Missouri Sunshine Law (Section
610.021, RSMo).
How does an interested person get appointed to the
Commission?
Anyone who is interested in serving on the Commission should first contact
the Executive Director of the Commission, indicate your interest, and
request an application form. An application form will be sent to you.
Complete the application, attach your resume, and return the materials to
the executive director. The executive director will arrange for a personal
interview with you, and will later forward your application materials to the
Governor’s office either with or without a supporting recommendation. The
Governor makes all appointments to the Commission.
How
large is the staff of the Commission?
The Commission has six staff members, an Executive Director, Executive
Assistant / Staff Interpreter, Executive Secretary, MICS Coordinator,
Workshop / Training Specialist; and Senior Secretary.
How often
does the Commission meet?
The Commission normally meets at least four times a year.
How old is the
Commission?
The Commission was created in 1988 with the passage of House Bill 1385. It
began office operations in July of 1990. The office was housed at the
Missouri School for the Deaf from 1990 until 1994, at which time it was
moved to Jefferson City.
What do I need to do if I want to make a presentation
to the Commission?
The bylaws of the Commission specify that if a person wants to make a
presentation to the Commission they must make such a request in writing to
the Executive Director of the Commission at least two (2) working days prior
to the meeting in which they wish to participate.
What is the mission of the Commission?
The Commission functions as an agency of the state to advocate for public
policies, regulations, and programs to improve the quality and coordination
of existing services for individuals with hearing loss, and to promote
new services whenever necessary.
To these ends, the Commission works with individuals, service
providers, businesses, organizations, and state agencies to improve the
lives and opportunities of all Missourians with hearing loss.
What kinds of people are on the Commission?
The Commission has nine members. Two must be deaf or hard of hearing; one
represents the business community; one must be an interpreter; one must be a
parent of a deaf or hard of hearing child; one must be a representative of
either the Missouri School for the Deaf or the Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education; one must be a representative of local public school
administration; one must be a representative of a deaf or hard of hearing
organization; and one must be a professional from one of the following
fields: audiology, psychology, speech pathology, mental health or medicine.
Where does
the Commission meet?
The Commission normally meets in the conference room of its office at 1103
Rear Southwest Boulevard in Jefferson City, Missouri. However, the
Commission may at its discretion meet at any location in the state of
Missouri.
Who do I contact if I have other questions about the
Commission?
If you have any questions concerning the Commission you should contact the
Executive Director at the MCDHH office.
