30TH DISTRICT BY
SENATOR ROBERT W. SINGER
ASSEMBLYMAN JOSEPH R. MALONE
ASSEMBLYMAN RONALD S. DANCER
...............................................................................................................................................
WEEKLY COLUMN
August 14, 2009
We would like to share information about the Equipment Distribution Program, as provided by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
The cost of assistive communication devices can be very expensive. Since 1993, the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) has operated a program to ensure that New Jersey residents with hearing loss, regardless of their economic status, have access to telecommunications and visual alerting home safety equipment needed to live independently.
Individuals unable to afford the cost of assistive communication devices may apply to the “Equipment Distribution Program” for assistance. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, individuals may receive communication devices free of cost from the DDHH.
Devices currently available as part of this program include Amplified Telephone; Voice Carry Over (VCO) Telephone; Hearing Carry Over (HCO) Telephone; Smoke Detector; Carbon Monoxide Detector; Baby Cry Alert System; and Artificial Larynx Device (ALD).
According to the Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing website, in the last 15 years, more than 4,700 devices have been distributed.
If you go to www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddhh/equipment/ you will be able to click on any of the listed devices and see the image and description.
The eligibility for the Program is as follows:
1. Applicant must be a New Jersey resident.
2. Applicant must have a hearing loss verified by either:
a.Attaching an audiogram signed by a licensed audiologist; OR
b.Obtaining a signature on the application by a licensed audiologist or physician verifying applicant’s hearing loss.
3. Total combined household income of applicant must be less than $45,000 annually.
4. Information supplied on application must be clearly printed. Form must be signed by the applicant.
Devices are free of charge to the applicant. There is a limit of one device per household through the program and supply of devices is limited. For further questions about eligibility, call DDHH at:
609-984-7281 V/TTY;
800-792-8339 V/TTY toll free in New Jersey;
886-771-7947 VP (Video Phone).
You can also go to: www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddhh/equipment/application/eligibility/index.html and click
on “E-Mail Us”, fill out the information requested and include your question in “Your Comments” box.
An application for a specific device can also be downloaded from the site.
Additional services and programs provided by the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing include information and referral services, advocacy, publications and assistive communication device demonstration centers.
For example, the division conducts educational workshops and training sessions to enhance the public awareness of hearing loss and assistive technology devices. The division advocates on behalf of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing to ensure that services routinely available to residents to of New Jersey, are accessible to people with hearing loss.
The home page describing these services and programs can be accessed by going to www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddhh/home/
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