On May 1, Dr. Levi Asay, audiologist at Big Horn Basin Hearing, was asked to present to Wyoming State Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee regarding formation of a Deaf and Blind Commission.  At the meeting in Rawlins, multiple agencies such as the Wyoming Departments of Health, Education, Family Services, and Workforce Services all provided input on how a new commission could better serve the people of our state.  

Dr. Asay, who is the audiologist on the Wyoming Board of Hearing Aid Specialists, said there is absolutely a need for a deaf and blind commission. It would help to better organize and distribute resources for those in need.  

“Right now it is difficult for even me as a professional know what all we do have available,” he said.  

Dr. Asay went on to say, “Having a point person who can organize, follow people throughout their lifetime — I think right now, we’re doing a good job with newborn hearing screenings and EHDI (Early Hearing Detection and Intervention) to identify and get kids into the education system and provide services there. If we can expand that, and then have a better understanding of who’s in the state that needs resources and how to get those utilized and to the people who really need them.”

Sen. Dan Laursen, of Powell, was very receptive and further inquired about programs in neighboring states.

Dr. Asay informed the Joint Appropriations Committee we can look to the states around to see what has been successful, and adapt it to our specific needs in Wyoming. Generally, a commission with an appointed board has been an effective model.

The benefit of having a Deaf and Blind Commission in Wyoming would be a streamlining of energy.  Dr. Asay pointed out, “It is really about having access to language.” In children, it is very difficult to catch up if a hearing deficit is impairing their ability to acquire language. This can lead to a lifelong need for support services which can be very costly for the state and school systems. Hearing loss can also have a substantial negative impact on socioeconomic opportunities as it impacts how a person is able to engage in daily life. A commission can help mitigate expenditures by focusing energy where it will have the greatest benefit for the deaf and blind communities.

Stakeholders and other member of the public shared their often heartbreaking experiences and frustrations with the lack of access to American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. Chelsea Elertson, a deaf mentor and ASL tutor with Deaf Information Services in Laramie, recounted her fear and frustration in the emergency room after a fall. An interpreter was provided by video conference, but the connection failed multiple times. This left her in a very precarious situation, not being able to communicate with her surgeon ahead of surgery. Elertson, whose primary language is ASL, signed, “A commission for the deaf and heard of hearing would be able to provide those supports for what services are needed and appropriate.”

Gary Olson, of Powell, was also present, and spoke charismatically about his experiences growing up without vision. He has been a lifelong recipient of Vision Outreach Services (VOS), which helped to monitor his education and provide Braille materials. Ultimately, Gary was able to able to graduate from the University of Wyoming, and now serves on the Wyoming Council for the Blind doing advocacy.

Chairman of the Joint Appropriations Committee Sen. Tim Salazar, R-Riverton, said, “We are interested. We value these communities, and that’s exactly why we are having this discussion today.”

The Committee was clearly moved by the day’s testimony. They voted unanimously to begin drafting a bill to move forward in creating a commission.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to speak with the Wyoming State Legislature to improve access to services for the deaf and blind,” Dr. Asay said. “I’m also very grateful that the Joint Appropriations Committee was so receptive and is willing to look for ways to help those in our state who have unique needs.”