Official Site of The State of New JerseyFor individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, supports like hearing aids, interpreter services, and other communication assistance services can help eliminate barriers and allow them to live fulfilling lives. In New Jersey, the Department of Human Services Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) has made it their goal to provide education, advocacy, and direct services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, while maintaining up-to-date information on resources across the state. Some of the major resources provided by DDHH include:
- Access to hearing aids and communication devices
- Access to interpreters and captioning services
- Information, referral, and case management services
- Deaf and hard of hearing sensitivity trainings
- Language development services
Get Help Now
- For more information about services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, please contact the DDHH information and referral assistance line at 609-588-2648, or 609-503-4862 for videophone. You can also email them at DDHH.communications2@dhs.nj.gov, or visit the DDHH website
Interpreters and Captioning Services
DDHH assists individuals and agencies in finding interpreters and captioning services. People or agencies in need of sign language interpreters or real-time captioning may obtain assistance by contacting DDHH at 609-588-2648.
A list of interpreters and captioning services are also available at https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddhh/services/caption/
Information, Referral and Case Management Services
Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in need of services can call for information and referral assistance. In addition, a case manager fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) can assist individuals by connecting them to services and navigating through the system. The case manager often works as a liaison between consumers and service providers. For assistance, please call DDHH at 609-588-2648, or 609-503-4862 for videophone. You can also email the division at DDHH.communications2@dhs.nj.gov
Education and Training
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Sensitivity Training
The New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers on-site sensitivity training that covers various topics including how to provide equal communication access in services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. DDHH presentations are two hours in length and can be modified to fit scheduling needs. Our goal is to provide education so deaf and hard of hearing individuals have equal access to your services. DDHH trainings have benefited businesses, social services agencies, government entities, educational institutions, hospitals and many other organizations. Trainings are provided at no cost. For more information about our training options, please email us at: DDHH.communications2@dhs.nj.gov
Assistive Communication Device Demonstration Center
Individuals who are deaf or experiencing hearing loss can visit our Assistive Communication Device Demonstration Center located in Hamilton, NJ. The center displays assistive communication devices and allows individuals to test equipment so they can make informed decisions prior to purchasing such devices. The devices on display include those in the Equipment Distribution Program as well as other practical devices for home and office, such as door bells, alarm clocks, video phones, amplified sound systems, and more. The Center is located at the DDHH office in Hamilton NJ. Appointments can be made by calling 609-588-2648 or via email at: DDHH.Communications2@dhs.nj.gov
Language Development Services
Language Instruction Program
Families with deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind children ages 0-5 can receive language acquisition and development services for the child in American Sign Language. Research shows that the first five years of life are essential for language learning. It is important for deaf and hard of hearing children to receive early language input during this critical time period. Families can use ASL in conjunction with spoken language development to ensure early language acquisition and development. DDHH will screen Deaf ASL Associate candidates and assign them to a Childcare Resource & Referral (CCR&R) center near you. Associates will work with your child up to 25 hours a week in providing a language model. For more information, please call 609-588-2648 or email us at: DDHH.communications2@dhs.nj.gov
Early Detection and Intervention
Ensures that all New Jersey children receive timely and appropriate screening, diagnosis, and intervention for hearing loss. The New Jersey EDHI program provides insight and technical assistance to birthing facilities; provides education about newborn hearing screening, diagnosis, and intervention to families and health care providers; and the establishment of a confidential registry and tracking system to ensure children are screened, have appropriate follow-up and are linked to services. For more information, visit: https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/nbs/ehdi/
Community Resources
NJ Deaf Advocacy Project
This organization provides culturally sensitive advocacy, education and supportive services to those impacted by domestic and/or sexual violence in the Deaf community.
For more information, visit: deafadvocacyproject.org VP: 609-528-7216 Text: 609-619-1888 (24/7)
DAP@njcedv.org
Signs of Sobriety, Inc. (SOS)
Signs of Sobriety, Inc. has been providing support for substance abuse recovery services to New Jersey's deaf and hearing residence since 1987. Services include information and referral as well as coordination of services for communication access to Twelve Step/Self Help meetings throughout New Jersey.
100 Scotch Rd, 2nd floor Ewing, NJ 08628
Voice: (609) 643-5604 VP: (609) 882-7677 www.sosnj.org
ACCESS Deaf Services
Behavioral health services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Services are provided by licensed social workers who are fluent in ASL and have experience in working with the diagnostic and treatment challenges present in this population. New Jersey Resources. For more information, visit: https://stjosephshealth.org/health-services/behavioral-health/behavioral-health-programs/
Voice: 973-754-5595 VP: 973-870-0683
Email: Breuers@sjhmc.org
Hearing Aids and Communication Devices
Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD)
If you are eligible for this program, you can receive a $500 reimbursement for the cost of one hearing aid or $1,000 for two hearing aids.
One reimbursement is allowed per calendar year. If a hearing aid is purchased the next year, you must fill out a new HAAAD application.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a New Jersey resident
- You are age 65 or older OR between ages 18 and 64 and receiving Social Security Disability benefits
- Your income for 2023 is less than $42,142 if single or less than $49,209 if
Application Process
If you are currently enrolled in the PAAD or Lifeline programs, fill out this HAAAD application, and mail it to the address in the form along with the following documents:
- A receipt for the purchase of your hearing
- A written statement from your physician attesting to the medical necessity for obtaining a hearing aid.
If you are NOT currently enrolled in the PAAD or Lifeline program, you must complete an NJSave application to verify your age, disability status, and annual income.
If you have any questions, call 1-800-792-9745.
NOTE: You are NOT eligible for HAAAD if you receive Senior Gold benefits, Medicaid, or have health insurance coverage or retirement benefits that provide full hearing aid coverage. If you have only limited or partial coverage, you would be eligible for a supplementary payment.
New Jersey Hearing Aid Project
Free refurbished hearing aids are available for eligible low-income seniors through the NJ Hearing Aid Project.
You may be eligible if you are:
- Age 65+ OR have a hearing loss and are disabled receiving Social Security Disability Income SSDI
- A New Jersey resident
- Your annual income is less than $42,142 if single; $49,209 if married
Application Process
If you are currently enrolled in PAAD, fill out this application and mail it to the address listed in the form. The application is also available in Spanish.
If you are NOT enrolled in PAAD, fill out this form and mail it to the address listed in the form. The application is also available in Spanish.
If your application is approved, you will receive information to complete an evaluation with an audiologist.
If you have questions, call 609-588-2648.
Equipment Distribution Program
Eligible residents may receive safety and telecommunication devices such as an amplified telephone, captioned phone, visual smoke detector, and baby cry alert system, at no cost. Applicants must reside in New Jersey, have a hearing loss as attested by a physician or audiologist, and a household income under $53,360.
Applications are available at https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddhh/services/edp/
New Jersey Relay
In collaboration with Sprint, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) operates New Jersey Relay, a few service for people who are deaf, deaf-blind, heard of hearing, or speech disabled. The service allows callers to communication with standard voice telephone users through specially trained Relay Operators. Dial 711 to access NJ Relay.
DVRS Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) offers specialized career services designed to help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Services include vocational evaluations, internship assistance, benefit counseling, and financial assistance with college, training, hearing aids, and cochlear implant replacements. For more information, visit the DVRS website.
Grace’s Law
New Jersey’s Grace’s Law requires limited coverage for children’s hearing aids. Your health benefits plan may or may not be subject to Grace’s Law. For more information, please visit this website.
