 |
 While we are all feeling the pinch of the current economic situation, there is no need to cut corners unnecessarily when it comes to maintaining your independence at home, your employability at work and succeeding at school. There are numerous local, state and national programs and agencies which can either provide assistive equipment directly or help to subsidise the purchase of equipment to meet your communication needs.
HSDC works with numerous public and private social service agencies both in Washington state and around the country. We are also able to work with employers, landlords, doctors and audiologists. Below is a list of agencies and programs that you should be aware of. If you are working with an agency or professional not on this list, please ask them to contact us via e-mail (store(at)hsdc.org) or call toll-free at 1 (888) 328 2974. We are happy to do the research and provide information about assistive listening and signaling equipment that can meet your specific needs.
NATIONWIDE RESOURCES:
www.tedpa.org
TEDPA is a network of state government agencies that provides assistive telephone equipment for the Deaf, Deaf/Blind, Hard of Hearing, and people with speech impairments. Specific equipment will vary from state to state. Some states have an income requirement, others do not. Contact your regional program for more information.
www.sprintcaptel.com
Sprint offers an internet-based version of the popular CapTel captioned phone service. All you need is a landline or cell phone and an internet connection. Web CapTel service is compatible with digital (office and hotel) phone systems.
Department of Veteran's Affairs
Department of Housing and Urban Development
University and College Disabled Student Service Offices
Many colleges and universities offer assistive listening and signaling equipment for use during the school year. Check your school directory for the appropriate office.
RESOURCES FOR WASHINGTON RESIDENTS:
Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Telecommunications Equipment Distribution (TED)
TED provides amplified telephones, TTYs, TeleBraille equipment, the CapTel phone, and ring signaling equipment for WA residents with a documented hearing or speech loss. Non-profit agencies with clients who have hearing or speech losses may also apply to TED for assistance to make their offices accessible by phone. Applications may be downloaded from the website.
Washington Assistive Technology Foundation (WATF)
WATF provides low interest loans and offers a matching funds savings program for qualified applicants. WATF will assist in the purchase of hearing aids, assistive listening and signaling equipment, and any other assistive equipment that may be needed for a variety of disabilities. Applications may be downloaded from the website.
Senior Services - Aging and Disability Services for Seattle and King County
Municipal and County Housing Authorities
- Seattle Housing Authority (SHA). If you are a current resident of an SHA facility, contact your building manager for help with doorbell, phone and fire alarm acommodations.
- King County Housing Repair Programs
Providing services to county residents living outside Seattle, KCHRP provides 0% interest loans and grants to low and moderate income homeowners and landlords to make homes and apartments safe and accessible.
In Seattle, contact the HomeWise program in the Office of Housing.
Divisions of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
|
