Today, it is estimated that over one million Pennsylvanians live with deafness and hearing loss. Unfortunately, resources for assistive technology and communication supports like certified interpreters are not available for many in the deaf and hard of hearing communities. In Pennsylvania, the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) provides that support with hearing aids and other technology, and it registers interpreters statewide. It needs more support to do this work.
To address this problem, legislation giving applicants the option to voluntarily donate $5 to ODHH when applying for or renewing a driver’s license, ID card, or vehicle registration online through PennDOT’s website has passed the House of Representatives. Any donations received in this manner would be used exclusively to provide communication access for the deaf and hard of hearing community and cannot be used for any administrative or unrelated costs. &nbsp;

Support Voluntary Contributions to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

HB2549- Support Voluntary Contributions to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

I am writing to urge your support for Pennsylvania House Bill 2549, which would provide Pennsylvanians with a voluntary opportunity to donate $5 to the Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) when applying for or renewing a driver’s license, identification card, or vehicle registration online through PennDOT.
More than one million Pennsylvanians live with deafness or hearing loss. Access to communication is essential to participating fully in our communities, yet many individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing face barriers to obtaining assistive technology, hearing aids, certified interpreters, and other communication support.
ODHH plays an important role in addressing these barriers by supporting access to hearing aids and other assistive technology and registering interpreters across the Commonwealth. However, the need for these services exceeds the resources available to meet it. HB 2549 offers a straightforward way for Pennsylvanians to help strengthen these critical services through a small, voluntary contribution. Importantly, donations would be dedicated exclusively to providing communication access for the deaf and hard of hearing community, rather than administrative or unrelated expenses.
Communication access is not a luxury. It is essential to education, employment, health care, public services, and meaningful participation in everyday life. By supporting HB 2549, Pennsylvania can take a practical step toward reducing barriers and ensuring that more individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing have access to the tools and support they need.
I urge you to support HB 2549 and help advance this important effort to promote accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities for Pennsylvanians who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,