Shapiro Administration Celebrates 40 Years of the Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Highlights Continued Commitment to Expanding Opportunity for Pennsylvanians with[...]

• Share

March 11, 2026- Harrisburg, PA

Shapiro Administration Celebrates 40 Years of the Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Highlights Continued Commitment to Expanding Opportunity for Pennsylvanians with Disabilities

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry(L&I) celebrates the 40th anniversary of its Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing(ODHH) at its annual Hearing Loss Expo at the Penn Harris Hotel in Cumberland County. The event brings together advocates, service providers, and community members, and highlights the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to expanding opportunity and access for Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind Pennsylvanians.

Supported by L&I's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation(OVR), ODHH helps Pennsylvanians with hearing loss through advocacy, information, and referrals. Governor Josh Shapiro's2026-27 budget planincreases state funding for OVR by $1 millionto expand access to services and assistive technology for individuals who are blind and to expand support services for the DeafBlind community.

"For 40 years, the Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing has helped Pennsylvanians access services, navigate challenges, and find support in systems that have not always been built with accessibility in mind," said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. "Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, we are continuing to invest in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation because access to opportunity matters. Every Pennsylvanian deserves the support to pursue independence, participate fully in their community, and build a future defined by possibility."

Interviews in Order:
Melissa Hawkins - Director, Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH)
Nancy Walker - Secretary, Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor and Industry (L&I)

• Press Release

• Download Video For Websites
• Download Video For Broadcast