Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

What Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing does

The Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH) is a state government agency of Idaho, operating under statutory authority (Idaho Statutes Title 67, Chapter 73) and headquartered at 12592 W. Explorer Drive, Suite 100, Boise. With a six-person staff led by Executive Director Steven Snow, CDHH fulfills a designated state mandate to enable deaf and hard of hearing Idahoans to participate as active, responsible, productive, and independent citizens. Its mission is operationalized through a portfolio of service programs: an opt-in online Interpreter Directory connecting businesses and individuals with licensed sign language interpreters; a Lending Library that mails books, DVDs, and assistive technology materials to borrowers statewide at no charge; an iPad Loan Program; an Assistive Technology information resource; DeafBlind Services tied to the Idaho Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Project; and accessibility advocacy under the ADA. The Idaho jurisdiction is its sole operating market, with service coverage spanning all 44 counties.

CDHH's underlying technology is a WordPress CMS-based website (cdhh.idaho.gov) supplemented by Videophone services (208-473-2059), Video Remote Interpreting coordination capabilities, and an online Lending Library catalog. The site also serves as the central hub for the Idaho Deaf Calendar, press releases, FAQs, and resource directories. Distribution is non-commercial: services are delivered directly via the Boise office (open 9am–4pm), the public website, statewide mail-based lending library fulfillment, and a coordinated network of partner organizations including the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, Network Interpreting Service, Idaho Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (IdahoRID), Idaho State University Interpreter Training Program, and the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind. The COVID-19 response demonstrated a coordinated multi-agency model across all 44 counties — aggregating ASL-translated CDC content, telehealth accessibility guidelines, and emergency interpreting coordination.

Because CDHH is a state government entity, its business model is not commercial. Funding derives from Idaho state appropriations (and potentially federal grants), and services are provided at no direct cost to end users. No pricing is publicly disclosed. The organization does not operate as a revenue-generating enterprise; its KPIs are service-delivery metrics, accessibility outcomes, and community reach rather than revenue or ARR. Recent operational activity (2023–2025) has centered on the Interpreter Directory overhaul, iPad Loan Program relaunch, website reconstruction, and ongoing emergency-response coordination, reflecting a maintenance-and-modernization posture rather than commercial expansion.

Name

Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Legal name

Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Website

https://cdhh.idaho.gov

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH) is a six-person Idaho state government agency headquartered in Boise that provides advocacy, interpreter directory coordination, a free statewide lending library, iPad loan program, assistive technology resources, and DeafBlind services to deaf and hard of hearing Idahoans across all 44 counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Advocacy Services

NAICS

Translation and Interpretation Services (54193)

akta.pro primary industry

Note-Taking, Interpreting & Communication Access Services (EDALAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Deaf/Hard of Hearing & Vision Services (Audiology, Interpreting, Orientation & Mobility) (EDAJAKAI), Assistive Hearing & Communication Access (Captioning, Hearing Support, Transcription) (EDAFAKAC), Sign Language Learning Programs (ASL/BSL, etc.) (EDAMAFAM)

Keywords

• Deaf advocacy services
• Interpreter directory services
• Assistive technology resources
• Accessibility coordination
• Disability support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Boise

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH) is a state government agency that provides advocacy, resources, and service coordination for Idahoans who are deaf or hard of hearing. Core offerings include an opt-in Interpreter Directory connecting individuals and businesses with licensed sign language interpreters, a Lending Library that mails books and assistive technology materials statewide at no charge, an iPad Loan Program, DeafBlind Services, and ADA compliance guidance. The organization coordinates emergency interpreting services statewide and operates as Idaho's designated council under state statute.

Product overview

The Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH) is a state government council that provides advocacy, resources, and services for deaf and hard of hearing Idahoans. Rather than a single product, CDHH offers a portfolio of service programs including: an Interpreter Directory connecting individuals with licensed interpreters; a Lending Library providing free mailed resources; Assistive Technology information and resources; an iPad Loan Program; and DeafBlind Services. The organization focuses on accessibility, communication access, and supporting equal participation for Idahoans who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Interpreter Directory An online, opt-in directory of licensed sign language interpreters in Idaho who accept direct-hire work, connecting businesses and deaf/hard of hearing individuals seeking interpretive services with qualified community interpreters.
• Lending Library A resource lending program that provides books, DVDs, and educational materials related to deafness and hearing loss, mailed to borrowers statewide at no charge, with an online catalog accessible at /library/.
• iPad Loan Program A program that loans iPads to eligible deaf and hard of hearing individuals, providing access to communication technology and digital resources.
• DeafBlind Services Resources and information specifically for individuals who are deaf-blind in Idaho, including connections to the Idaho Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Project that provides assistive technology to low-income individuals with combined hearing and vision loss.
• Assistive Technology Resources Information and resources about assistive listening devices, hearing aids, captioning, videophones, and other technologies to support deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Idaho.

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Idaho Office of Emergency ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020CDHH works closely with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management during the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies to coordinate emergency interpreting services and ensure accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing community across Idaho. This partnership enables CDHH to fulfill its emergency response mandate.
• Network Interpreting Service (NIS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020NIS collaborated with CDHH during COVID-19 to create guidelines and procedures ensuring interpreting services continue functioning during the crisis. NIS is part of the community partner group working to recruit local interpreters as temporary Video Remote Interpreters for local appointments.
• Idaho Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (IdahoRID)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020IdahoRID is a key community partner working with CDHH to develop guidelines for interpreting services during COVID-19. CDHH supports IdahoRID events such as the Idaho RID 50th Anniversary Conference (October 13-14, 2023). IdahoRID also refers interpreters to the CDHH directory.
• Idaho State University Interpreter Training ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Part of the community partner group with CDHH, NIS, and the School for the Deaf and Blind working together during COVID-19 to ensure interpreting services continue for the Idaho deaf community.
• Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind (State Educational Interpreter Coordinator)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020The State Educational Interpreter Coordinator from the School for the Deaf and Blind participates in the COVID-19 interpreting services working group alongside CDHH, IdahoRID, NIS, and ISU Interpreter Training Program.
• Idaho Project for Children and Youth with Deaf-BlindnessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA state-level project enhancing educational services for children and youth (birth through 21) with vision and hearing impairments. Contact: Robin Greenfield, Project Director, Center on Disabilities & Human Development, University of Idaho. Listed as a resource on CDHH's DeafBlind information page.
• Idaho Assistive Technology ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelps Idahoans with disabilities acquire assistive technology. Contact: Janice Carson, Project Director, Center on Disabilities & Human Development, 1187 Alturas Drive, Moscow, ID 83843. Listed as a resource on CDHH's DeafBlind information page.
• Idaho Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA program under the Idaho Assistive Technology Project aimed at ensuring low-income individuals with combined hearing and vision loss can access telephone, advanced communications, and information services. Listed as a resource on CDHH's DeafBlind information page.
• Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal resource for individuals who are deaf-blind, enabling them to live and work in their community of choice. Referenced in CDHH's DeafBlind resources section and COVID-19 resources for the deaf-blind community.
• Idaho Sound Beginnings (EHDI Program)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdministers the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program in Idaho, serving newborns and families identified with hearing loss. Referenced in CDHH's FAQs as a resource for families with deaf/hard of hearing children.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf: RID is the national professional association for sign language interpreters, maintaining certification standards, professional development, and ethical guidelines. It directly parallels CDHH's interpreter directory and interpreter-coordination role and is referenced as a key partner (via its Idaho chapter, IdahoRID).
• Communication Service for the Deaf: CSD is a nonprofit providing direct services, interpreter referral, advocacy, and technology solutions for deaf and hard of hearing communities nationally. It is directly comparable to CDHH in mission and service mix — interpreter matching, accessibility resources, and community programs — but operates at national scale.
• Hearing Loss Association of America: HLAA is the leading US consumer advocacy organization for people with hearing loss, offering education, support chapters, conventions, and accessibility resources. It mirrors CDHH's role in supporting hard of hearing individuals, although HLAA is membership-driven while CDHH is a state agency.
• Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: AG Bell supports listening, spoken language, and educational outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing children. It overlaps with CDHH's family/children services and assistive-technology resource focus, particularly around EHDI and pediatric hearing-loss pathways.
• National Association of the Deaf: The NAD is the premier US civil-rights organization for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, advocating for accessibility, interpreter access, and equal opportunity. It is the most direct national-level peer to CDHH, mirroring the same advocacy and resource-coordination mission at national scale.
• Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: TDI is a national advocacy organization focused on telecommunications and technology accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing people, including VRS, captioned telephone, and broadband access. It is comparable to CDHH's role in coordinating communication-access infrastructure.

Regional players

• California Department of Rehabilitation - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services: California DHHS is the closest state-level analogue to CDHH, providing interpreter referral, advocacy, and assistive technology services within a different state. It is a regional peer demonstrating the model CDHH could be benchmarked against or partner with.

Broad incumbents

• Gallaudet University: Gallaudet is the preeminent US university for deaf and hard of hearing students, and a broader-incumbent peer that supports interpreter training, deaf-education research, and ASL resources — adjacent to CDHH's interpreter pipeline and community-education mission.

Emerging players

• Sorenson Communications: Sorenson is the largest US provider of Video Relay Service (VRS) and on-demand Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) for deaf and hard of hearing users. It competes with CDHH's interpreter-referral function by offering direct, app-based on-demand interpreting at national scale.
• Purple Communications: Purple Communications provides VRS, VRI, and on-site interpreting services nationwide, plus accessibility consulting. It is an emerging private-sector alternative to the public interpreter directory model used by CDHH.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/170355286330871
• Instagraminstagram.com/cdhh_idaho
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/idaho-council-for-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing