The Commission of Deaf Services consists of seven voting members, four of whom are deaf or hard of hearing, and three who are representatives of telephone companies. The Iowa HHS Director (or designee) also serves as a nonvoting member.
Commission duties:
Under Iowa Code section 216A.114, the Commission has the following powers and duties:
- Study the changing needs and opportunities for the deaf and hard-of-hearing people in this state.
- Serve as a liaison between the department and the public, sharing information and gathering constituency input.
- Recommend to the board for adoption rules pursuant to chapter 17A as it deems necessary for the commission and office.
- Recommend legislative and executive action to the governor and general assembly.
- Establish advisory committees, work groups, or other coalitions as appropriate.
- Advise the utilities board on the planning, establishment, administration, and promotion of a statewide program to provide dual party relay service and to secure, finance, and distribute telecommunications devices for the deaf and hard of hearing pursuant to chapter 477C.