MO HB3288

Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing must establish a statewide communication access services program to improve ADA compliance by coordinating resources and assisting with accommodation costs for agencies and businesses

Communication access services include qualified interpreters, real-time translation, notetakers, Braille boards, open/closed captioning, and environmental access support for deaf, deaf-blind, and hard of hearing individuals

Commission must develop a statewide registry of service providers organized by region, maintain an informational website, provide consultation and training to agencies, and conduct outreach in underserved urban and rural areas

Creates the "Communication Access Services Fund" in the state treasury to pay for a program manager position, financial assistance for services, and scholarships for professional development and certification testing

Commission must submit annual reports to the governor and general assembly on service utilization, registry effectiveness, funding outcomes, and recommendations for improvement