Welcome to the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) Programs and Services

The Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) established in 1977, operates within the New Jersey Department of Human Services. The division provides programs and services that strive to enhance public awareness of hearing loss and improve the quality of life of people who are deaf, hard of hearing and both deaf-blind.

Information and Referral:

The Division operates an information and referral service providing residents of New Jersey with resources about hearing loss. As the state agency with primary responsibility to advocate for people who are deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind, the division also has the expertise to respond to a wide range of questions about hearing loss and ADA compliance.

Advocacy:

Every day, DDHH receive calls from individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families who are struggling to overcome barriers they face as a result of hearing of hearing loss.

DDHH’s goal is to empower consumers and teach them how to effectively self-advocate. DDHH works with individuals to make them aware of their rights and when necessary, to file a complaint. The division also works with community service providers to make them aware of their obligations to provide communications access under state and federal laws.

Communication Access Referral:

For an individual with a hearing loss, communications access typically means effective communication. DDHH can assist entities attempting to provide effective communication by providing consultation and guidance in locating and securing qualified communications access providers.

Some of the providers that can be arranged through DDHH are sign language interpreters and Communication Access Realtime Translation services (CART). Specialized interpreters also can be assessed (CDI, Oral, deaf-blind, Cued Speech, etc.)

Community Outreach Service:

DDHH offers a variety of resource and trainings for state for state and local governments, private businesses, community organizations and people who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind. Training may include but is not limited to state and federal disability laws, sensitivity training, communication issues and technology awareness. DDHH also participates in events in the community such as disability awareness days and health fairs.

Case Management/Deaf Specialist:

People who are deaf and hard of hearing in need of human services are eligible for DDHH case management. Case managers are bilingual, fluent in English and American Sign Language. They also have an understanding of the unique needs of the hard of hearing population as well as deaf culture. The case manager often works as a liaison between consumers and service providers. All services are free of charge to eligible residents and completely confidential.

Hard of Hearing Specialist:

The specialist provides services to people who are hard of hearing, including senior citizens and those who have recently become deaf. They identify solutions to communication issues based on the needs of the individuals and their families and strive to improve consumers’ quality of life by providing essential training and information. Training may include: information on communication strategies, assistive technology, hearing loss awareness, cochlear implants and hearing aids. Assistance locating resources in the community is also provided.

Equipment Distribution Program:

The DDHH Equipment Distribution Program provides specialized telecommunications and home safety equipment to New Jersey residents who meed eligibility to New Jersey residents who meet eligibility requirements. The devices in the program are selected to assist the consumer in obtaining equal access to telecommunications and provide safety in the home for the person with hearing loss.

The Assistive Device Demonstration Centers:

The DDHH maintains demonstration centers that display state of the art telecommunications, listening devices and home safety equipment that can assist people with hearing loss to be independent and self-sufficient. Consumers can meet staff by appointment to discuss their technology needs and to receive hands on demonstrations.

NJ Hearing Aid Project:

The New Jersey Hearing Aid Project provides low-income seniors with access to reconditioned hearing aids. Used hearing aids are collected from the community refurbished and made available to eligible applicants. All hearing aid fittings are conducted under the supervision of a New Jersey-licensed audiologist.

NJ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

New Jersey Department of Human Services

Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

P.O. Box 074

Trenton, NJ  08625-0074

(800) 792-8339 toll free in New Jersey

Phone: (609) 588-2648

Fax: (609) 588-2528

Video Phone (609) 503-4862

http://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddhh

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from a the NJ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing pamphlet. Please call the above numbers or email them for more information.