We connect people with support and resources. Senate Bill 00-194 created the commission in July 2000. The purpose is to address the needs of the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind communities.
Did you know?
- More than 755,569 Coloradans are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Nearly 1,200 Coloradans identify as DeafBlind.
- Around 200 babies are born in Colorado with hearing differences each year.
Staff
Our staff manages daily operations under the director. Certified state employees serve as subject matter experts in their roles. We support and administer each program's day-to-day business needs.
Commission members
- The commission hosts quarterly meetings where it advises staff regarding actions.
- There are seven commissioner slots identified in statute.
- Serving as a commissioner is a time commitment and privilege.
- Anyone can apply to be considered for a commissioner role if they meet the requirements.
- You can apply when the current term is expiring.
- Applicants are reviewed, and the governor appoints the individual who best fits the role.
- Commissioners serve four-year terms, but are limited to serving two consecutive terms.
- Appointments are staggered so that no more than four terms will expire at any given time.
- This ensures that several commissioners are always available to advise staff.
The commission and staff support effective communication for everyone. We envision a barrier-free Colorado.
- The Legal Stuff
Code of Colorado Regulations
Colorado Revised Statutes
- C.R.S. Title 26, Art. 21: Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind (§§ 26-21-101 — 26-21-108)
- Statute Table of Contents Link
House Bills
- HB23-1067 Family Intervener Program Deafblind Children
- HB19-1069 Sign Language Interpreters Title Certification
- HB18-1108 Commission Deaf Hard Of Hearing Deafblind
- HB22-1143 State Auxiliary Services Program
- HB16-1414 Funding Base For Telecom Relay Services
Senate Bills
- Meeting materials
The commission holds quarterly meetings on the first Wednesday in March, June, September, and December.
These links will open a Google Drive folder in a new window for your review.
- Appointed commissioners
- Julie Basler
Represents: Hard of Hearing
First term expires July 1, 2026
- Jennifer Hills
Represents: Professionals
First term expires July 1, 2028
- Rebecca Herr
Represents: Late-Deafened
Second term expires July 1, 2028
- Jordann Hoelzel
Represents: Auxiliary Service Providers
First term expires July 1, 2026
- VACANT
Represents: DeafBlind
First term expires July 1, 2026
- Jill Bradshaw
Represents: Parents
Term expires July 1, 2028
- Katherine Wagner
Represents: Deaf
First term expires July 1, 2026
You can contact commissioners at office.ccdhhdb@state.co.us
- Julie Basler
- Staff members
Dual-Leadership Model
- Trish Leakey
Director to the Commission, Communication Access Services Manager
Trish.Leakey@state.co.us
- Dr. Katie Cue
Deputy Director to the Commission, Director of Colorado Early Hearing Intervention
Katie.Cue@state.co.us
Commission staff
- Luke Adams
Outreach and Consultative Services Specialist
Luke.Adams@state.co.us
- JoAnne Hirsch
Communications Technology Program Manager
Joanne.Hirsch@state.co.us
- Ali Lombardi
Communication Access Services Coordinator
Ali.Lombardi@state.co.us
- Christine Pendley
Lead ASL/English Interpreter
Christine.Pendley@state.co.us
- Kyle Rosenberg
Communication Access Services Coordinator
Kyle.Rosenberg@state.co.us
- Elli Streifer
Community Intervener Program Manager
Elliana.Streifer@state.co.us
- Mandy Turner
Communication Access Services Coordinator
Mandy.Turner@state.co.us
- Heather Wilcox
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Heather.Wilcox@state.co.us
- Trish Leakey
- Complaints
To share a concern or complaint regarding the Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind (CCDHHDB), please fill out the form linked below.
Your feedback will be sent directly to CDHS’s Client Services and will be kept confidential.