CT HB06637

Establishes a bill of rights for deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing persons seeking mental health services, effective July 1, 2021, guaranteeing rights to culturally and linguistically affirmative services, accessible communication in one's primary language or mode, and input on treatment decisions.

Defines key terms including "deaf person," "deafblind person," "hard of hearing person," American Sign Language, and various communication modes including tactile ASL and protactile ASL.

Renames the Advisory Board for Persons Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to include "Deafblind" and expands its mandate to address services for deafblind individuals.

Restructures the Advisory Board membership to include the Governor's liaison to the disability community, the director of the Connecticut Chapter of We the Deaf People, and eight Governor-appointed members representing various stakeholder groups.

Requires the Advisory Board to have three co-chairpersons: the Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services, the Governor's liaison to the disability community, and a member chosen by board majority.