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Office of Deaf Access
HISTORY : In 1980, at the urging of California's deaf community, the California State Legislature and the Governor created the Office of Deaf Access (ODA) to administer the state's Deaf Access Program (DAP). The DAP was created to ensure that state operated public programs address the communication needs of people who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing and late-deafened.
PURPOSE : The ODA has two primary purposes. First, it acts as a liaison between the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Director's Office and the deaf community, various programs, agencies, and other organizations concerned with deafness or hearing loss. Second, the ODA provides contract administration and program oversight of CDSS' contracts with a network of eight, private, non-profit agencies that provide a variety of DAP services to California's deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing and late-deafened populations.
PUBLICATIONS : The ODA has developed a number of publications that are available for download by clicking on the links provided below. If you are unable to download any of these publications, please contact the ODA and a hard copy can be sent to you. The first two publications assist deaf and hard of hearing people and the general public with information referral to organizations which provide services related to deafness and hearing loss. The next three brochures are designed to provide American Sign Language assistance in specific communication situations.
These publications are in Adobe Acrobat "pdf" format. If you do not have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, click on the Adobe Acrobat icon here, and you will be given instructions on how to download this free software.
- California Directory of Resource Information for People Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (PUB 220) This directory provides information about many state and national resources available to deaf and hard of hearing people.
- Deaf Access Program (PUB 111) This brochure outlines the seven mandated services provided by the eight DAP providers in California.
- American Sign Language-Signs for Work (PUB 179) This brochure furnishes an alphabetical, pictorial listing of signs that may be useful in a workplace environment.
- Basic Medical Sign Language (PUB 391) This brochure is to be used as a guide for one-on-one communication in a medical setting. This resource should not be used in lieu of obtaining a qualified/certified interpreter.
- A Manual Communication Guide for Field Officers (PUB 179A) This brochure was created for distribution to law enforcement officials to alleviate some of the miscommunications that can occur during interactions with deaf individuals.
PROGRAM OVERSIGHT AND CONTACT INFORMATION : The ODA is responsible to the Director of the California Department of Social Services. The ODA's contact information is as follows:
California Department of Social Services
Office of Deaf Access
744 P Street, M. S. 11-91
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 653-8320 (Voice)
(916) 653-7651 (TTY)
(916) 653-4001 (Fax)
E-Mail: deaf.access@dss.ca.gov