Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

For questions about interpreters, assistive listening devices (ALD), CART, Introduction to ASL classes for City employees, training on effective communication with the Deaf and hard of hearing community, referrals, or resources, please contact us at DeafHHServices@denvergov.org. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Welcome to our Programs page! Here, you’ll soon find more information about our interpreter and CART services, Jail Advocate program, ASL Translation program, Interpreter Intern program, and opportunities for certified interpreter contractors. We’re excited to expand this section, so please check back regularly for updates. For questions or inquiries, please email us anytime at DeafHHServices@denvergov.org.

Welcome to our Community Resources page! We’re actively working to add valuable information here to support our Deaf and hard of hearing community. Please check back for updates, and feel free to email us at DeafHHServices@denvergov.org with any questions or for immediate assistance.

We have our DenverHub site, with HRCP--DHHS Services Request Form housed there! The request form is intended for internal usage, for the City employees only. Please access our DenverHub Site here. 

If you are a Deaf or hard of hearing individual seeking communication access for a DenverGov program, service, or event, please reach out to us at DeafHHServices@denvergov.org. Providing any relevant details, including a URL link if possible, will help us assist you effectively.

HRCP Disability Rights coordinates the City and County of Denver’s efforts to ensure compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Our role is to ensure that all City services and programs are accessible to people with disabilities. 

HRCP Disability Rights Website

Learn more about Denver Human Rights and Community Partnerships here! Denver Human Rights & Community Partnerships works to protect our community members' basic human rights through advocacy, strong community partnerships and direct services. Inclusiveness and equity are the cornerstone of our work where we strive to provide a platform to the less represented. There are five divisions, ten commissions, and more programs & initiatives.

Lorrie is the Director of HRCP Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. Over her many years of service, Lorrie has had a penchant for ensuring that the City and County of Denver provides access to and engagement opportunities for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing public.

In addition to the many duties Lorrie fills as Director, she also makes time to interpret in the legal settings for the City and County of Denver. She holds a national certification for legal interpreting, the Colorado Status I Court/Legal interpreter designation, mentors upcoming legal interpreters, and chairs the Colorado Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Legal Interpreting Committee.

In her off time, Lorrie and her husband Paul love to explore the history of places and people in their own back yard as well as around the United States and abroad.

Dallas McCarthy is the Program Administrator for HRCP Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. Dallas grew up in the rural area in Southwest Iowa. He graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) with a bachelor degree in business management then moved to Denver, CO to begin his career journey in 2006 as a coordinator, director, sales/marketing, and entrepreneur/venture capitalist. 

In the spare time, Dallas enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking/backpacking, off-roading, and hunting. Dallas enjoys exploring new trails, soaking in breathtaking views, and discovering hidden gems off the beaten path. Dallas also loves to travel, especially with family. 

Dallas looks forward to continuing his journey by supporting the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind communities in the City and County of Denver.

CHECK OUT MORE ABOUT DALLAS IN HIS OWN WORDS

Born and raised in the Boston area, Noah Blankenship is a proud Boston fan! After graduating high school, Noah resided in Rochester, NY, for five and half years, earning a couple of degrees, an MBA being one of them. While at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), he worked as an American Sign Language (ASL) Consultant, serving as one of the language coaches for the 100+ interpreters at RIT. Noah was also involved with Residence Life and with his fraternity at RIT. But, the most remarkable thing Noah experienced was studying and living in Zagreb, Croatia, for four months in the Fall of 2017.

In August 2021, Noah relocated to Breckenridge, CO, and there, where he worked at a couple of family-owned businesses (one was a ski rental/tuning shop, one was a winter boot store). He was an employee for the '21-'22 Ski Season, winning "Honorable Mention" at the end of season MVP Voting for the rental/tuning shop. Finally, in June 2022, Noah moved near Denver, where he could be closer to opportunities, and subsequently bringing him to this new chapter of his life as a Deaf Program Coordinator.

Are you a City and County of Denver employee needing ASL interpreting/CART services, or do you need ASL/CART services for City/County of Denver programs, services, and events? If so, email Noah! He is  also reachable via text, (720) 682-4929, and VP, (303) 327-9902.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NOAH IN  HIS OWN WORDS

 Originally from Sarasota Florida, Mere first started learning ASL in high school as a language elective. It wasn’t until a few months before graduation, their ASL Teacher approached Mere to suggest they become an interpreter and they pivoted to start their first Interpreter Training Program in Tampa Florida, at Hillsborough Community College. Two years later, they started the application to transfer to Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. While attending Gallaudet, Mere was apart of the Gallaudet Dance Company and worked at the Department of Public Safety where they issued student IDs and parking passes to each student on campus every year. After a year as a HUG (Hearing Undergraduate), they were accepted into Gallaudet’s BAI (B.A. in Interpreting) Program. While a student in the BAI program, Mere supported their cohort by creating a means to schedule last-minute pro bono interpreting requests for student interpreters. This blossomed their passion for scheduling in the interpreting field.

Mere moved to Colorado in 2020 and interned with HRCP Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services as a student interpreter, until the pandemic hit. Mere virtually graduated Magna Cum Laude from Gallaudet University and found opportunities working in VRS, as well as scheduling for local agencies. In their free time, Mere enjoys sitting in the sun (reminiscent of the houseplants they keep), going dancing with friends, roller skating, and playing video games.

Mere is so excited to grow in their role and skills as Denver’s staff interpreter. CHECK OUT MERE'S INTRODUCTION