KCDHH Honors Community Leaders at 20th Anniversary Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bobbie Beth Scoggins Ed.D, Executive Director
Telephone: (502) 573-2604 v/tty
Email: kcdhh@mail.state.ky.us

The Kentucky Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (KCDHH)
celebrated its 20th Anniversary at a reception held in Danville, Kentucky
October 26, 2002. Approximately 80 attended and were treated to a 20-year
retrospective slide show and old-fashioned pig roast. Accomplishments of
the Commission, such as the establishment of the TDD Distribution Program
and the recent law requiring all working interpreters to be licensed, were
highlighted.

Recognized for contributions to the Kentucky Deaf community were William
"Bill" Rogers, former Executive Director and Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins,
current Executive Director. Long time staff member Dana Parker was also
recognized.
Bill Rogers also reminded the crowd in attendance of the struggle and
accomplishment of House Bill 322, which established monetary support for
Post-Secondary Education of the deaf and hard of hearing in 1986.
Former Commissioner and Interview Committee member Archie Harris of Danville
spoke about how the Commission has evolved through its 20 years. Dr.
Scoggins was quoted as saying that "Kentuckians are 20 years ahead of the
game in terms of heart, mind and soul."
The Commission wishes to recognize with gratitude the entire Kentucky
community for their fantastic contribution in its first 20 years, and looks
forward to even greater success in the coming years. Many deaf and hard of
hearing leaders in the community have worked diligently to enhance the
services and quality of living in the Commonwealth. This core group,
including those instrumental in the establishment of the Commission (such as
Bill Rogers, Archie Harris, Rick O'Connell and more), has proved an
invaluable resource.
Established in 1982, KCDHH is a state agency serving the deaf and hard of
hearing populations of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. To learn more about the
agency and its activities, please visit www.kcdhh.org.