Nevada’s Communication Access Programs are funded by telephone users through a small monthly surcharge on phone lines in the state (NRS 427A.797). Funds are collected by the Public Utilities Commission and administered through ADSD.
Community Based Services
The following services are free and available through our community partners to Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Speech Impaired Nevadans who qualify:
- Telecommunications Equipment and Assistive Technology - includes distribution and training on equipment and assistive technology to help individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability access the telecommunications system. Equipment includes internet-compatible telecommunications such as Video Relay Services and internet captioned telephones.
- Access to Services – helps individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability in accessing services, specifically employment, education, health and social services.
- For age 0-21, services are provided statewide by Nevada Hands and Voices.
- For age 22+, services are provided by Nevada Care Connection, which has three different locations throughout Nevada.
• Language Acquisition – includes American Sign Language (ASL) classes.
- ASL classes – provides ASL instruction for individuals who have a hearing loss, family members of individuals who have a hearing loss, or those who provide services for individuals who have a hearing loss. This service is provided statewide by Communication Services for the Deaf (CSD).
Relay Nevada
This service enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability to access the phone landline telephone network, using telecommunications equipment such as TTYs and CapTel phones. This landline relay service is provided to the state by Hamilton Telecommunications.
To use the Relay Nevada Service, dial 7-1-1.
Nevada Interpreter/CART Registry
The Nevada Interpreter/CART Registry is a list of sign language interpreters and CART providers who meet the minimum credential requirements set forth by NRS 656A and NAC 656A.
CAS Mentorship Program
The CAS Mentorship Program is free and available to participants who live in and/or primarily work as an interpreter in Nevada. For more information, visit:
Interpreter Request
If you are a State agency and you need an interpreter, you may contract with one through any of the interpreting agencies on the State's Master Services Agreement (MSA) by clicking here.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Jennifer Montoya at jmontoya@adsd.nv.gov or via video phone at 775-434-0237.