Access isn't optional – it's essential.

About us

At the Colorado Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind, access isn't optional - it's essential. As part of the Colorado Department of Human Services - a team of "people who help people" - we work to ensure a barrier-free Colorado where cultural and linguistic access isn't just a goal, it's a reality.

Founded in July 2000 through Senate Bill 00-194 and restructured under the Communications Services for People with Disabilities Enterprise (House Bill 25-1154), our division has a long and rich history of connecting deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind individuals and those who live, work with, and/or interact with DHHDB individuals with the resources, services, and support they need to communicate, participate, and thrive. We're here to help people - not just by providing information, but by making a true impact.

755,559+

Coloradans are deaf or hard of hearing.

~1,200

Coloradans are deafblind.

~200

babies are born in Colorado with hearing differences every year.

Who we are

Our division is a type 2 entity (manages budgets and money, runs programs). It is led by a Director and Deputy Director and managed by a dedicated team of state employees who serve as subject matter experts in their field. A seven-member advisory council appointed by the Governor, provides strategic input each quarter. Commissioners serve staggered four-year terms.

CDDHHDB team members

Our Mission and Vision

Our mission is to be an agent of change for a sustainable statewide network of resources, dedicated to cultural and linguistic equality. Our vision is simple and powerful: a barrier-free Colorado.

CDDHHDB team

the Team

Leaders

Trish Leakey

Trish Leakey, J.D.

Director

Director of Colorado Early Hearing Detection & Intervention

Dr. Katie Cue

Dr. Katie Cue

Deputy Director

Director of Colorado Early Hearing Detection & Intervention

Administrators

Holly Bise

Holly Bise

Enterprise Administrator

Ali Lombardi

Ali Lombardi

Financial Administrator

Managers

Christine Pendley

Christine Pendley

ASL/English Language Access Policy Manager

Vacant

Program Manager

Position Vacant

Vacant

Community Relations Manager

Position Vacant

Coordinators

Luke Adams

Luke Adams

Community Relations Coordinator

JoAnne Hirsch

JoAnne Hirsch

Communications Technology Access Program Coordinator

Mandy Pierce-Turner

Mandy Pierce-Turner

Scheduling Services Coordinator

Elli Streifer

Elli Streifer

DeafBlind Programs Coordinator

Vacant

COEHDI Coordinator

Position Vacant

Staff

Lorri Dean

Lorri Dean

Community Relations Liaison

Heather Wilcox

Heather Wilcox

Community Relations Specialist

Vacant

Scheduler

Position Vacant

Vacant

Program Assistant

Position Vacant

Vacant

Certified Deaf Interpreter

Position Vacant

Vacant

Certified Hearing Interpreter

Position Vacant

Need help or have a question?

We're here to help. Reach out to our team for support, information, or to get connected with resources.