About DDHH

The Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) advocates for people in New Jersey who are Deaf or hard of hearing, a number estimated to be as high as 720,000. With an operating budget of $778,000 for FY 2008 and nine staff, it assists consumers in numerous ways to gain access to programs, services and information routinely available to others. DDHH was originally established to improve employment and vocational opportunities. Today it advocates for people who are Deaf and hard of hearing in a variety of settings such as  social, legal, medical, educational and recreational.

DDHH administers the only  sign language interpreter referral service  run by the state of New Jersey's, maintaining a list of certified and qualified interpreters which it screens for quality assurance.  The division also responds to thousands of requests for assistance through its information and referral hotline and Webmaster inquiries each year, and it publishes a monthly newsletter and other resource information.

DDHH operates a growing equipment distribution program which, for New Jersey residents who qualify financially, distributes Text Telephone equipment, Amplified Telephones, Voice Carryover Phones Hearing Carryover Phones, Baby Cryer Alert Systems, Carbon Monoxide, Smoke Detectors, and artificial larynx devices.

DDHH has two Assistive Device Demonstration Centers. One is located within the Joseph Kohn Rehabilitation Center, (operated by the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired) in New Brunswick. The second center - The Brian C. Shomo Assistive Device Center - is housed at the Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf in Trenton.  Both demonstration centers display a host of assistive devices for people with hearing loss. The centers also offer hands-on demonstrations so that consumers can make informed decisions when obtaining such devices.

The devices on display include those in the equipment distribution program (mentioned in the previous paragraph), as well as other practical devices for home and office, such as door bells, alarm clocks, video phones, amplified sound systems, and more. 

To schedule an appointment for a hands-on demonstration at one of the two centers, call DDHH at 800-792-8339 V/TTY or 609-984-7281 V/TTY.