NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired will lead the New Jersey program
鈥淐ommunications technology that brings together people personally and professionally is vital, particularly for individuals with sight and hearing disabilities,鈥� said Commissioner Velez. 鈥淭he range of equipment available allows people who are deaf-blind to explore innovative opportunities to connect with the broader community.鈥�
The program 鈥� administered by the FCC鈥檚 National Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution Program - will be managed by DHS鈥� Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI), in partnership with DHS鈥� Division for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) and The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). Equipment, such as Braille note takers, iPads, zoom text, amplified telephones and the internet access, will be obtainable for certain individuals with combined vision and hearing loss.
The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program was created by the FCC to ensure that people who are blind and deaf-blind can remain safe and healthy, hold a job, manage a household and, contribute to the economy and the community. Grants of up to $291,500 annually will fund 鈥渋CanConnect/NJ鈥� and pay for the equipment and training.
鈥淭his program provides us with an extraordinary opportunity to offer technology that will help New Jersey鈥檚 deaf-blind population reach their full potential and provide new avenues for personal and professional growth,鈥� said Vito DeSantis, Executive Director of the DHS鈥� Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI).聽 鈥淐BVI is incredibly proud to collaborate with DDHH and TCNJ on this significant initiative.鈥�
Eligible applicants must have a combined loss of vision and hearing as defined by the and their income cannot exceed of the Federal Poverty Level 鈥� about $44,680 for an individual or $76,360 for a family of three.聽
For information about eligibility and how to apply for the program, contact Allen Reposh at (609)771-2575 or email reposha@tcnj.edu. Information about the new equipment distribution program is available online at 聽.
