AJE would like to share with families news and updates from the DC Department on Disability Services. Please read below for more information and share with your networks.

Budget Oversight Hearings 

The Council of the District of Columbia Committee on Facilities & Family Services will hold a Budget Oversight Hearing on Thursday, May 2nd, starting at 12pm. The following testify:

• Office of Disability Rights
• Department on Disability Services
• Mayor’s Office of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing

Watch Live: 

• On the Council site, at https://bit.ly/2ooL0l1 
• On the OCTFME site, at https://bit.ly/2JNZIro
• On TV, Channel 13 or 18

Click here for guidelines for testifying.

 

Introducing HRG: Let’s Talk Housing 

DDS invites people with disabilities, their families, and support teams to learn about a new resource that will help them find affordable and accessible housing in the District. The DDS Housing Resource Guide (HRG) offers a comprehensive 10-step process that can assist residents with disabilities in preparing for and identifying housing options that meet their needs and preferences. To ensure that residents know how to effectively use the HRG, DDS will host two ongoing virtual workshops to educate participants about

• Available Assistance for Security Deposits and First Month’s Rent
• Subsidized Housing and HCVO (Section 8)
• Homebuyer’s Down-Payment Assistance  and Closing Cost Help
• Credit Counseling, and more.

The workshops are free and opened to the public. Registration is required. Due to the interactive format of the sessions, space is limited to 50 people per session. Session descriptions and dates below. For more information, contact DDS Housing Coordinator Pamela.Johnson1@dc.gov.

Ongoing, FREE Virtual Housing Workshop for People with Disabilities

Session 1: Introduction to the DDS Housing Resource Guide for People with Disabilities

Every third Thursday of each month – 11 am to 12:30pm via WebEx

Click here to register and select a date

 

Session 2: Affordable & Accessible Housing Opportunities in DC

Every fourth Tuesday of each month – 11am to 12:30pm via WebEx

Click here to register and select a date

Language Access 

To request ASL, spoken language translation/interpretation, contact dds.languageservices@dc.gov or call 202-549-1710 five days before the event for free interpreter assistance.

For ASL interpretation Services

• Please log in by 10:50am
• The video camera on your device must be on
• Look for and click on ASL
• Select chat box or thumbnail to lock your screen on ASL Interpretation
• If you experience problems, you can communicate through the chat box.

For reasonable accommodations, contact: Pamela.Johnson1@dc.gov