Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ

May 6, 2025

 (TRENTON) – Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ counties can begin applying for grants to promote communication and language access for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind residents of all ages.

            “Inclusion and language access are foundational pillars that empower the deaf and hard of hearing community to navigate the world around them with clarity and ease while fostering equal opportunity. We are proud to open these funds for a third time to make all counties welcoming and accessible,” said Commissioner Adelman. “We encourage counties to check their eligibility and apply for these grants, and we look forward to receiving creative and innovative letters of interest.”  

            The $250,000 program will be funded through Human Services’ . Award amounts will vary and counties can receive a maximum award of $70,000. Interested applicants must be a county government agency in Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ.

            “All residents deserve to live with dignity in their communities. Removing communication barriers is essential to enhancing the quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing Ó£»¨ÊÓƵans, enabling them to thrive within their communities,” said Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire. “We encourage Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ counties to apply for this funding to strengthen our collective efforts in enhancing the quality of life for all residents, whether by installing public videophones in county libraries, expanding sign language interpreter services, or undertaking other initiatives to foster inclusion.”

“These grants are intended to support the inclusion of deaf and hard of hearing residents in county services and programs, ultimately improving health outcomes and addressing the social and structural challenges faced by deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind communities,” said Elizabeth Hill, Executive Director of the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. “We look forward to receiving letters of interest and continuing our work to create a more inclusive Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ for all.”

Counties may use the funding to implement the following initiatives:

• that improve hearing and communication for individuals with hearing aids;
• Installation of public videophones to help individuals who use sign language to communicate and defray associated connectivity costs;
• Expanding access to sign language interpreter services;
• which helps improve access to content for those who have hearing loss; and/or
• Development of community, educational, or healthcare-related programming or services that are accessible in American Sign Language.

Interested counties are encouraged to consider several initiatives when applying. Some notable investments made during the first and second funding rounds include installing hearing loops and purchasing videophones for ASL users in Salem County facilities, and implementing assistive listening devices for the Union County courthouse, the county American Job Center, and social service offices.

            Applicants should define the settings in their counties where increased access will be available as a result of this funding. Settings to consider include county libraries, local community centers, independent living centers, theaters, airports, non-profit organizations focused on health equity, county jails, municipal and county government agencies, parent-run organizations, and county courthouses.

Counties that propose projects that are innovative and long-lasting will be prioritized for funding. Selected applicants will be fully responsible for coordinating and distributing grant funds.

Applications can be submitted on behalf of the county human service director, county executive, county commissioner, or other relevant positions. Applications must contain a proposed estimated budget, project description, and implementation timeline.

For more information and eligibility requirements please visit here. Completed applications must be sent to Melissa.Spirito@dhs.nj.gov no later than 5 p.m. on May 30, 2025.