Assistive technology can help people with disabilities and older individuals maintain⁠—or improve⁠—their independence. Learn how New Jersey can help you obtain equipment that can help you function better day to day.

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Assistive technology is equipment or a service that works to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capability of an individual with a disability or an older adult. This section lists agencies and programs, both inside and outside of state government, that provide assistive technology services.

Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) programs

The Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) provides education, employment, independent living and eye health services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, their families, caregivers, and the community.

• The commission's Technical Support Services assist consumers in gaining access to computer equipment and other assistive technology. They also help with the installation, setup, and configuration of recommended equipment for consumers on-site. The TSS operate out of the Regional Technology Assistance Centers (RTAC) located in each CBVI regional office, whose locations and contact information can be found here.

• The Library Equal Access Program (LEAP) offers speech and magnification assistive technology training to consumers age 55 and over through the use of iPads and computer programs. LEAP classes can be found at participating public libraries throughout the state. For more information about this program and to sign up for one near you, call the Talking Book & Braille Center at 1-800-792-8322, extension 812.

• For more information about CBVI's other assistive technology programs, call 1-856-482-3724 or email Colleen.Faupel@dhs.nj.gov.

• Other CBVI services offer an assistive technology component as a part of a larger program, such as Vocational Rehabilitation, intensive training at the Joseph Kohn Training Center, and educational services for children and young adults.

Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) programs

The Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) works to eliminate barriers and promote increased accessibility to programs, services, and information to individuals who are deaf and/or hard of hearing, including through the promotion of assistive technology.

• The Equipment Distribution Program offers free home safety and wireless communication devices for eligible low-income residents. To learn more about this program, visit the DDHH website linked here.

• The Assistive Technology Demonstration Center in Hamilton allows individuals to test assistive communication equipment so they can make informed decisions prior to purchasing devices. To schedule an appointment, call DDHH at 1-609-588-2648 or toll-free at 1-800-792-8339. Appointments can also be made by emailing DDHH.Communications2@dhs.nj.gov.

• There are also two hearing-aid assistance programs offered by the State. To learn more about these programs, including how to apply, visit their websites at the links below or call the ADRC hotline at 1-877-222-3737.
• The New Jersey Hearing Aid Project offers free refurbished hearing aids for eligible low-income older adults.
• The Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled provides a $500 reimbursement to offset the purchase of a hearing aid by an eligible applicant.

Additional assistive technology resources

Outside of State government, a number of proven programs and centers can also offer assistance.

• The Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (1-800-922-7233) and the Assistive Technology Center (1-888-322-1918 x536) provide information on assistive technology and provide used items to borrow, offer at a low cost, or provide for free. The Assistive Technology Advocacy Center is New Jersey's official Assistive Technology Act program and is federally funded.

• Goodwill Home Medical Equipment refurbishes equipment and offers it for sale at low cost; it can be reached on their website or by calling 1-609-396-1513 or 1-609-812-2210.

• The National Disability Institute's Assistive Technology Loan Program provides loans to purchase necessary technology to residents of the State.

• Finally, ICanConnect is a national program that provides free equipment and training for eligible people with both significant hearing and vision loss. To learn if you are eligible, read the program guidelines at the link provided.

NJ Relay

NJ Relay is a free service administered by the NJ Board of Public Utilities that allows callers to communicate with telephone users through specially trained Relay Operators (OPR). Communication options available through NJ Relay include text telephone relay, which allows users to type their conversation to an OPR who then reads the typed conversation to a standard telephone user or transcribes it in braille.. They also include captioned telephones, which allows users to listen, speak directly to the caller, then read captions of the caller’s response through a captioned telephone device. Additional options include a video relay service. For more information about NJ Relay, call DDHH at 1-609-588-2648 or visit the program's website.

Automobile accessibility modifications

New Jersey is home to a number of auto mobility dealers accredited by the nationally recognized Quality Assurance Program, which sets standards for accessibility modifications for motor vehicles. To learn more about these vehicles, visit the website for the nonprofit National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), who also provides a locator tool to help find registered dealers near you.

Internet service discounts

The FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program can help get qualified applicants a discount of up to $30 on your internet bill and a discount of up to $100 on qualifying devices. Information on the program and how to apply can be found on the program website. Applications can be completed both online and by mail, and you can receive on-the-phone help with them by calling 1-877-384-2575. Program information, as well as the application itself, is available in a number of languages, including Spanish.