Southwestern Region
Our Service Area
The Southwestern Region encompasses the following states:
Arizona
California
Hawaii
Nevada
Guam
American Samoa
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
What We Do
Our regional offices bring HKNC resources to you. Your regional representative knows all about the programs and services that are available to deaf-blind individuals, their families and service providers in your state and beyond, and can help you find and access the ones that are right for you.
Whether you’re interested in learning about support services near your home, would like to take advantage of the technology available through the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program or want to explore the possibility of training at our national headquarters, your regional representative is your link to all that HKNC has to offer ─ consultation, advocacy, assessment, training, referrals and more.
Regional Representative
Cathy Kirscher joined the HKNC family in 1987 and has gone on to serve as the regional representative in two regions and as an HKNC affiliate with a specialized project on mental health issues. She first was posted in the Northwest Region and has been the representative in the Southwest Region since 1999. During her tenure, she secured initial funding from the San Diego Foundation to develop an SSP program in San Diego County in 2010. She is very involved with the NDBEDP in this region. Cathy holds a B.S. in psychology and an M.S. in rehabilitation counseling from Western Oregon University.
Associate Regional Representative
Chad Metcalf assumed the duties of associate regional representative for the Southwest Region in California on August 3, 2015.
Chad covers Los Angeles and the surrounding counties of Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura. He continues part-time work at the San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired in the California NDBEDP.
Chad is deaf-blind due to Usher Syndrome Type 1 and holds a B.S. in business administration from Gallaudet University.
Contact Information
Cathy Kirscher (Regional Representative)Email: cathy.kirscher@hknc.org
Chad Metcalf (Associate Representative)Email: chad.metcalf@hknc.org
Ilona Mulvey (Administrative Assistant)Email: Ilona.mulvey@hknc.org
9939 Hibert St., #108
San Diego, CA 92131
Voice: 858-578-1600
VP: 858-397-5522 (main), 951-208-6548 (associate)
Local Events
Are you interested in getting involved in the deaf-blind community in the Southwest Region? Your regional representative can provide information about social gatherings, conferences, listservs and more. Check this space for announcements about upcoming events or contact your regional representative to request email notifications.
Local Resources
You need answers about what’s out there for you, and HKNC has them.
Ask your regional representative about:
- The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
- Local services and referrals
- On-site assessment, consultation and training
- Making connections with other individuals and families within the deaf-blind community
- Technical assistance and in-service training
- Plans for youth transitioning from educational programs to post-educational services
- Educational materials and presentations about the capabilities and preferences of people with combined vision and hearing loss
If the services you need are not available in your area, you might want to consider exploring HKNC headquarters in New York as an option for assessment and training. Check out our FAQs and contact your regional representative for more information.
Local Organizations
HKNC maintains relationships with various government agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve deaf-blind individuals. Your regional representative can connect you with the best contacts at each organization. Browse a list of organizations by state.