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Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA) (226)

ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Sandra Prince  
1602 Rolling Hills Drive, Suite 107
Richmond, VA 23229
VOICE TOLL FREE: 866-835-5976
VOICE/TTY: 804-662-9000
FAX: 804-662-9533
E-MAIL: atlfa@atlfa.org
WEB: www.atlfa.org
ATLFA provides low-interest loans to disabled residents of Virginia who need assistive technology or home modifications. Loans are available for a wide variety of equipment including wheelchairs, motorized scooters, Braille equipment, hearing aids, low vision aids, communication systems, environmental control devices, building modifications for accessibility or telecommunication devices for the deaf.

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AUDIENT Program (258)

President: Mike Langhout

Voice: (206)838-7194

Toll Free: 1-877-AUDIENT (1-877-283-4368)

Fax: (206)838-7195

e-mail: info@audientalliance.org

website: www.audientalliance.org

 AUDIENT, an alliance for accessible hearing care, is designed to assist income qualified hard of hearing people - nationwide - to access quality hearing aids and related care at significantly reduced costs. The AUDIENT program was developed by the non-profit Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight & Hearing and made possible through the help of dedicated providers and suppliers.

The AUDIENT Program was designed for individuals whose income is above the government's established poverty levels, but still find it difficult to afford quality hearing care. Offers reduced cost hearing aids $1,290 to $1,500 for 2 new digital hearing aids, earmolds, a fitting, three follow-up visits, and a one year limited manufacturers’ warranty. Arrangements are made for referral to a participating hearing healthcare professional near you. Income requirements: Family size: 1 $24,500 income, 2 $33,000, 3 $41,000.                                                               

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Auditory Verbal Learning Institute (297)

The AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language®
3417 Volta Pl, NW Washington, DC 20007

http://www.agbellacademy.org/links.htm

Mission: Advancing listening and talking through standards of excellence and international certification of professionals.

What is Auditory-Verbal Education

Auditory-Verbal Education focuses on teaching listening and talking to various sized instructional groups to prepare children to enter mainstream education when they have the skills to do so successfully. A Listening and Spoken Language Educator (LSLS Cert. AVEd) teaches children with hearing loss to listen and talk exclusively though listening and spoken language instruction. The LSLS Cert. AVEd is guided by the Academy's Ten Principles of LSLS Auditory-Verbal Education and adheres to a professional code.

What is the Academy?

The AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language® (the Academy) is an independently governed, subsidiary corporation of The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The Academy was established in 2005 and envisions a future where individuals and families will have qualified listening and spoken language professionals available in their immediate geographic area. The Academy is uniquely positioned to advance the revolutionary global opportunity for deaf or hard of hearing individuals to listen and talk via proven technologies and with guidance and education from certified professionals.

In order for families to recognize the goal of listening and talking for their child, there needs to be sufficient numbers of qualified professionals available to offer support to these families. The Academy, by means of international certification of professionals, strives to ensure that qualified professionals are available to all families who seek this option.

Different centers in the US and what they offer:

Bolesta Center; 7205 North Habana Ave. Tampa, Florida 33614; Phone: 813-932-1184 ; Fax: 813-932-9583; info@bolestacenter.org

Mission: The mission of the Bolesta Center is to lead the way in helping children with hearing loss gain the ability to listen and speak. At Bolesta, we want exactly what you want: to give your deaf or hard-of-hearing child the ability to live a normal, independent life in a hearing and speaking world.

Services: We do not teach lip-reading, sign language, or any other special education technique typically reserved for the deaf. Instead, we teach your child how to listen, using high- powered hearing aids or cochlear implants. It’s called the Auditory-Verbal approach.

Auditory-Verbal Curriculum
At Bolesta, we strive to provide a family-centered, individualized Auditory-Verbal Therapy curriculum that encompasses the guiding principles of Auditory-Verbal Therapy as set forth by the Alexander Graham Bell Association. Through this curriculum, we provide:

Auditory-Verbal Therapy Services:

·        A proven Auditory-Verbal curriculum for deaf and hard-of-hearing infants, preschoolers, and elementary students using hearing aids and/or cochlear implants

·        Bilateral cochlear implantation support for both sequential and simultaneous cochlear implant users

·        A multi-disciplinary team approach

·        Parent-focused demonstration sessions

·        Diagnostic therapy sessions with child-centered goals

·        Objective-oriented therapy based on normal stages of child development

·        A focus on development of listening, language, cognition, and speech

·        Individualized sessions with guidance and counseling to the family

Immersion Services For Families
Bolesta offers an intensive immersion program for families at our center in Tampa, Florida. During the week-long program, the parents or caregiver, child, therapist and other team members work together to develop a strong foundation for long-term learning.

After the initial immersion program, ongoing support and mentoring services are offered and to meet the individual needs of each family. Those services may include telephone support, internet based support, distance learning, and further on-site services. In addition to supporting the family, Bolesta also provides training and support for local professionals that the parents may be working with at home.

The Immersion Program is not viewed as an end in itself, but as the starting point toward maximizing the hearing and speech potential of each child. The families and staff at Bolesta are available to support each family collectively and in the community in which they live.

Program Components:

·        Auditory-Verbal Therapy: Therapy is conducted for 1–1 ½ hours each day with the child and parent. The initial sessions of therapy are for baseline testing and evaluation to provide the therapists and the parents with information about the child’s auditory, speech, and language skills. The remaining therapy sessions are used to encourage both the child and the parents to understand and embrace an Auditory-Verbal approach to listening and speech.

·        Therapy Observation: Families are provided with opportunities to observe other children and parents in therapy. These observations are reviewed by, and with, a therapist to assist the family in understanding the unique goals and practices of each session.

·        Parent Mentoring: A current Bolesta parent, or parents, will meet with the family for at least one hour to discuss their own child’s case and provide other information the family may be interested in. This interaction gives the family an opportunity to meet other parents of hearing-impaired children and feel connected to the program for long-term support. One-on-one time with other Bolesta families often helps the parents and caregiver better understand what lies ahead. They can see, first-hand, how other children with similar hearing losses and their parents are succeeding with listening, language, and communication in a hearing world.

·        Parent Resource Kit: Each family receives the Listen Little Star family activity kit for parents of infants from the Auditory-Verbal Learning Institute, a Hearing is Believing CD-ROM, and the book 50 Frequently Asked Questions About Auditory Verbal Therapy.

·        Audiology: All children participating in the Immersion Program are provided with an audiologic evaluation. Exceptions are made if a recent audiological work-up has been completed with appropriate documentation. This provides the therapists with information regarding the child’s level of hearing loss. Families are counseled as to the results of the evaluation and provided with amplification information and support as needed.

·        Sensory Integration and Oral Motor Screening and Therapy: Sensory Integration is defined as the ability to organize sensory information for use in daily life. It is estimated that at least 60% of children with hearing impairments have some form of sensory integration dysfunction, which may affect balance, auditory sequential memory, speech, eating, fine and gross motor skills, sensitivity to touch and/or several other areas. An oral motor screening will assist in identifying individual needs in a child that may affect articulation development. Exceptions are made if a recent SI and/or OM screening has been completed with appropriate documentation. For those identified as needing Oral Motor and Speech Therapy, services can be provided by our Licensed Speech Language Pathologist.

Parent support Program

Parent support allows parents of children with hearing loss to share the resources, triumphs, challenges, and feelings that are unique to families of children with hearing loss. During their journey, parents slowly gain a sense of self-esteem and hope for the future of their children.

Bolesta's Parent Support Program helps parents who have or may have a deaf or hard-of-hearing child. Activities are open to all parents of a deaf child, not just Bolesta clients. Activities include Parent Support Meetings, an Expert Speakers Series, a Reference Library, Parent Communications, a Parent Mentoring Group, Parent Events, and a Referral Network.

Bolesta’s Parent Mentoring Group is the service parents find most valuable of all. While information and advice from professionals is important, talking to someone who really understands what you’re going through is invaluable. Parents are assigned a mentor from a list of mentors, all who will receive training. Mentors are asked to call their parent at least once a month. A log is kept of interactions. Parent mentors meet regularly to encourage camaraderie, to facilitate communication, and to give direction to the program based on the experiences parents are undergoing. This keeps the program timely and relevant.

Annual Parent Events are a time for parents and kids to just have fun for a change! Last year, families gathered at Lowry Park to enjoy the park, hamburgers and hotdogs, crafts, and lots of fun. Free entry to the zoo was included. While lots of valuable networking happens at Parent Events, the power of relaxing and playing is not underestimated.

Parent Support Meetings are held at least quarterly and open to all Bolesta parents and the general public. A speaker of interest is engaged for each meeting and meetings include an open question and answer forum. Topics can include behavior management of a deaf child, integrating Auditory-Verbal techniques into daily life, or stress management for parents. Free childcare and dinner are provided to encourage participation. Meetings are held in various areas around the Bay Area to facilitate ability to get to the meeting.

Bolesta’s Expert Speakers Series is offered every September and March to the public. A world-famous Auditory-Verbal therapist is engaged to see and evaluate children’s progress with learning spoken language, to help train professionals so even more children can receive services, to host a round-table luncheon with parents to discuss a topic of interest, and to lecture on subjects that parents need to know. Direct services to children and parents, such as evaluation services and the parent’s roundtable lunch, are offered free of charge.

The Reference Library includes a multitude of books, magazines, CD-ROMs, videos, pamphlets, research papers, toys, Auditory-Verbal play kits, and other items that parents can check out for home use. Or, if a parent desires, they are welcome to browse our materials in our waiting room. All items are lent free of charge and on the honor system.

Frequent Parent Communications are designed to inform parents of what is happening both at Bolesta and in the community at large that may apply or help them as they work to make the right decisions for their child. Communications can take the form of an email blast, press releases, mailings, letters, invitations, or phone calls, all planned to keep parents in-the-know.

Bolesta’s Referral Network is the result of community collaborations and knowledge of the community. We strive to help parents find all the resources, services, and information available to them. It can mean a therapist visits a preschool to discuss how children learn best with their cochlear implant; makes a phone call to find close-by lodging for parents who need to travel for services; or researches needed conference or seminar scholarship opportunities for parents.

Natural Communication, Inc.
P.O.Box 36412  
Canton, OH  44708

http://www.nciohio.com/webmaster@nciohio.com

Natural Communication, Inc. (NCI) -- a nonprofit organization in Northeast Ohio -- is defined by its purpose: to benefit children who are deaf or hard of hearing through support, information, and encouragement to their parents and families. On a regular basis, NCI members -- the parents and families of children with hearing loss -- meet to share information and experiences. NCI endorses teaching and learning philosophies for children who are deaf or hard of hearing that maximize their potential to develop amplified hearing and spoken language. While this is NCI's official definition, we do so much more for the families who choose to become members.

Most children who are hearing impaired have the ability to develop speech and language to communicate in a "natural" manner. The auditory-verbal approach for developing speech and language is endorsed by NCI as the first option for teaching children who are hearing impaired to communicate through speech and language.

California Ear Institute: http://www.californiaearinstitute.com/

Palo Alto Office - Headquarters1900 University Avenue Suite 101 E. Palo Alto, CA 94303
Phone: (650) 494-1000

San Ramon Office
5801 Norris Canyon Road Suite 200 San Ramon, CA 94583
Phone: (925) 830-9116
Fax: (925) 866-1699

Santa Rosa Office196 Sotoyome Street Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Phone: (707) 528-0565
Fax: (707) 528-6403
Mission: Founded in 1968 as the first practice to be dedicated solely to Hearing Health care in the United States, The California Ear Institute has provided more than a quarter of a million visits for patients with Surgical, Medical, Hearing Aid, Cochlear Implant, Facial Nerve Disorder and Cranial Base Disorder needs. CEI is Northern California's premier site for treatment of ear related disorders and is highly ranked among the world's Centers of Excellence specializing in hearing and balance related disorders. The Institute is famous as a site of referral for patients from whom treatment has not turned out as expected – particularly those who require second opinions and/or revision surgical procedures.

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Bill Daniels Center for Children’s Hearing (284)

The Children's Hospital

13123 East 16th Avenue

Aurora, CO 80045

(720) 777-1234

Mission: The Bill Daniels Center for Children’s provides the region’s most comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Center was established in 2005 with a generous funding commitment from the Daniels Fund, the philanthropic legacy of Denver businessman and community leader, Bill Daniels.

Support from the Daniels Fund brought together the resources needed to develop, in a single program, the region’s only multidisciplinary diagnostic and rehabilitation service for children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Staff includes professionals in audiology, clinical genetics, clinical social work, deaf education, pediatric otolaryngology, speech-language pathology, and family consultation and support. The grant was a mechanism for tying all previous services and elements together to create a more comprehensive, cohesive program.

Many children evaluated through Children’s Hearing Clinic continue with Center programs in amplification (hearing aid) fitting, parent education, and speech and language therapy.  

Program:  Widex Pediatric Hearing Assistance Program Loaner Network

Widex advanced technology digital loaner hearing aids provide immediate access to amplification while awaiting approval of funding for their permanent hearing solution.

Contact information: Valerie Hernandez, 303-861-6531

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CareCredit (293)

GE Card Services

PO Box 960061

Orlando, FL 32896-0061

(800) 677-0718

www.carecredit.com

Mission: For the past 20 years, CareCredit has helped over six million cardholders get the healthcare treatments they want and need. CareCredit is accepted by over 75,000 providers in a wide range of services including hearing care, LASIK and vision care, veterinary medicine, dentistry, cosmetic surgery and more.

Service: CareCredit gives you the buying power to purchase the highest quality hearing aid to correct your hearing loss with affordable monthly payment options (determined by creditworthiness of applicant). The biggest difference between CareCredit and Visa/MasterCard is that any transaction over $300 qualifies for a special financing promotion. Financing promotions vary in every healthcare practice, but generally fall into these categories: convenient monthly payment, Promotions (varying from provider to provider) and Low Monthly Payment Promotions with a fixed interest rate.

CareCredit offers a full range of payment plans. Our 3, 6, 12, & 18 month No Interest if Paid within Promotional Period* payment plans feature monthly payments as low as 3% of the balance and let you pay within the specified time without incurring interest charges.  For patients/clients with higher treatment fees who would prefer more time to pay with lower monthly payments, our 24, 36, 48, & 60 month extended payment plans* offer a low, fixed 11.9% interest rate and an extended term.

To apply: Not all providers accept CareCredit. Ask your hearing aid professional for an application, which will take just a few minutes of your time to complete. Your hearing aid professional will submit the application by phone, fax or Internet, and get an answer, fast — while you’re still in the clinic. Or you can apply online, but make sure your provider accepts it first. The website will give you that information. http://www.carecredit.com/apply/index.html

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Central Oklahoma Association for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired (327)

Central Oklahoma Association for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired

330 North Classen, Suite 205

Oklahoma City, OK 73106

405-842-0806 (V, TTY)

No e-mail or website

http://www.ok.gov/abletech/documents/Central%20Oklahoma%20Assoc.%20Deaf-Hearing%20Impaired.pdf The phone number on the PDF document is incorrect; the one above on this page is correct.

Mission

To make hearing aids available to low-income individuals and to provide information and referral services. These services include assistance for hearing impaired such as hearing aids, sign language training, TDD/TTY equipment, written information and some

financial assistance. They also provide summer programs and activities around the Oklahoma City area.

Services

Information & Referral, Assessments & Evaluations (through John W. Keys Speech & Hearing Center)

Eligibility

Any person of any age with a hearing impairment.  An annual membership fee of $15.00 individually and $20.00 family is required. Income and resources of applicant are considered by the committee which makes the final determination.

Must be a resident of Canadian, Lincoln, Caddo, Logan, Comanche, Oklahoma City, Grady, Pottawatomie, Kingfisher, or McClain counties in central Oklahoma.

At Devices Provided/Covered

Aids for Hearing Impaired

To apply

All clients are referred to the John W. Keys Speech and Hearing Center.

825 NE 14th St.

OK City, OK 73104

405- 271-4214 (V/TTY)

No web site or e-mail

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Colorado Center for Hearing, Speech and Language (314)

4280 Hale Parkway

Denver, CO 80220-3724.

303) 322-1871.

Info@chsl.org

http://www.chsl.org

Contact: Office Manager

1329 North Academy Blvd.

Colorado Springs, CO 80909

(719) 597-3390

Mission: We are devoted to improving people's lives by providing quality hearing and speech services. We're here to help you get the treatment you and your family need.

History: We've been here for more than 85 years. Of course, we changed our name and location, and that was all for the better. And yet, we are most proud of one thing that has stayed exactly the same-helping. We are still helping one person at a time. From our beginning as a volunteer-run lipreading club, we went on to offer support groups, hearing screening in schools and speech therapy. In 1970, we pioneered a nationwide hearing conservation program for businesses to generate funds and help those who could not pay for services. Today, we're proud to continue providing quality hearing and speech services in Denver and Colorado Springs.

Services: We carry and are knowledgeable about hearing aids made by a number of different manufacturers.  Our audiologists will evaluate your current hearing aids, if you have them, and determine how well they are serving your hearing loss or if they need adjustment or repair.  If you want or need new hearing aids, we will try to present you with more than one choice.

Financial assistance:  We provide hearing aids regardless of ability to pay.  That means that you can apply for our financial assistance program if you can't afford hearing aids.  If you can afford hearing aids, your fees will never go to paying a commission - all fees go right back into providing services for other individuals.

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Colorado Neurological Institute (311)

701 East Hampden Ave. Suite 330 Englewood, CO 80113
(303) 788-4010
(303) 788-5469 fax
NPyle@TheCNI.org

http://www.thecni.org/hearing/index.htm

Mission: In addition to its ongoing function of diagnosis and treatment of neurotology disorders, the CNI Center for Hearing has created very powerful charitable programs for helping individuals, many of them children, with serious hearing impairments: the CNI Cochlear Kids Camps; the World Hearing Network; the Cochlear Implant Assistance Program; the Baha Assistance Program; the Angel Network; and Support Groups for adults with cochlear implants as well as parents of children with cochlear implants. In addition, the CNI Teen Thing is a social and recreational support group for youth with cochlear implants. All of our programs are funded by private and corporate donations.

Services: Hearing loss (Children and Adults)

Providing full complement of diagnostic testing

Treatment including cochlear implants, and implantable hearing aids

Dizziness and balance disorders

Chronic ear infections (otitis media)

Acoustic neuromas

Skull-based tumors

Tinnitus

Facial nerve disorders

Clinical Trials:

CNI offers various clinical trials for cochlear Implants and implantable hearing aids. For more information about these studies or other studies being conducted at CNI please e-mail us at NPyle@TheCNI.org

Cochlear Kids Camp 

http://www.thecni.org/hearing/kidscamp.htm

They offer two family camp sessions each summer. The 2008 sessions are June 19-22 and July 31-August 3. The second session is full as of February 9, 2008. Reservations accepted through April 19, 2008 unless all rooms are reserved.

Camp fees:  $250/family, for four or fewer people. Extra family members are $100 each, unless they are under one year old, in which case they are $25. Families of more than 6 need to reserve two rooms at $250 each.

Contact: CNI Cochlear Kids Camp coordinator Judith Stucky at 303-806-7416 or jstucky@TheCNI.org.

Cochlear Implant Assistance Programs

http://www.thecni.org/hearing/assistance.htm#ciap

Eligibility: Applicants and/or their parents if the applicant is under 18 must be permanent legal residents of the U.S., a proven candidate for a CI before applying, have no or insufficient insurance coverage for the procedure, and demonstrate a commitment for appropriate therapy after the implant. If you have a CI whose internal device needs replacing after the warrantee expired, you are eligible. If your speech processor has failed and you cannot find any other source of funding, you are eligible. Funding for bilateral implants is NOT eligible. Eligibility criteria are re-evaluated every 6 months and may be modified more frequently if needed. These criteria were established November 27, 2007.

To apply: The application is available online, or you can contact the CNI.  http://www.thecni.org/hearing/PDF/2008.CIAP_Application.pdf The application MUST be filled out completely.

The Angel Network

Mission: The mission of the Angel Network is to assist with the financial needs of cochlear implant recipients in need of rehabilitation.

The time immediately following cochlear implant surgery can be financially overwhelming. The rehabilitation, though critical, is often quite costly and there are few options available to assist with the costs of vitally important speech, language, and auditory/verbal therapy.

Eligibility: The applicant and legal guardian(s) if the applicant is under 18 must be a legal resident of Colorado or Wyoming. CI recipients, including those with insurance but only limited coverage for rehabilitation who have committed to appropriate therapy are eligible. Depending on the level of financial need, partial or full assistance could be provided. All other sources of financing must be exhausted, and a specialist will review each application to see if something was overlooked.

Eligible expenses: Only costs associated with certified and/or licensed speech or auditory/verbal therapists will be considered, and assistance in paying previously incurred is not eligible. Assistance will be available for a maximum of 1 year, but you may re-apply.

To apply: You must include all required attachments and documentation. You can request an application or download it from http://www.thecni.org/hearing/AngelNetworkApplication.pdf. For more information, contact CNI by e-mail at NPyle@TheCNI.org or call (303) 788-4010. Applications should be mailed to The Angel Network, CNI Center for Hearing, 701 East Hampden Ave., Suite 330, Englewood, CO 80113.

Baha (Implantable) Assistance Program

What is a Baha system: While hearing aids are helpful for many individuals, there are some types of hearing loss for which conventional aids do not provide benefit. For some patients, conductive, mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness may be helped with the Baha system which uses bone as a pathway for sound, bypassing the outer and middle ear.

The Baha system is the only implanted treatment for hearing loss that works through direct bone conduction.  It allows sound to be processed by the cochlea without involving the outer ear or ear canal, enabling those with specific types of hearing loss to benefit from a natural transmission of sound.  Unlike hearing aids, the Baha system does not rely on amplification; and unlike cochlear implants, it does not utilize electronic impulses to stimulate the cochlea. 

In early 2006, the CNI Center for Hearing began helping financially-challenged patients and their families obtain this life-enriching device by establishing the Baha Assistance Program. Through a cooperative effort of CNI Center for Hearing, Cochlear Americas and a team of dedicated medical professionals, this program may be able to assist qualified candidates needing the Baha device. The Baha Assistance Program awards only the actual system itself (the internal and external components) - patients are still responsible for other costs associated with the procedure such as the physician, hospital, surgical, and audiological fees. The average out-of-pocket cost for candidates who receive a Baha device through the CNI Center for Hearing is approximately $10,000.

Eligibility: Applicants or their parents if they are under 18 must be permanent, legal U.S. residents. Applicants must determined to be a candidate for a Baha device prior to application, and not have insurance coverage for it. Previously-implanted devices will not be covered. Applications may be considered from applicants who already have a BAHA device if the applicant is attempting to replace a failed internal device no longer under warranty. However, attempts to cover the expense of a replacement prothesis by other means must be exhausted prior to consideration for assistance from this program. Applications for a bilateral implant will not be accepted.  Eligibility criteria are effective November 27, 2007; they are re-evaluated every 6 months and may be modified more frequently if needed.
  
To apply: Request an application from CNI, or download it from http://www.thecni.org/hearing/2007-BAHA-Application.pdf. All applicants must provide all required attachments and documentation with their completed applications before being considered for this Assistance Program. Applicants will be contacted if incomplete applications are received and will be given a maximum of 6 months in which to submit all required documents.

For more information, contact CNI by e-mail at NPyle@TheCNI.org or call (303) 788-4010.

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Crippled Child Relief, Inc. (285)

15135 38th Av N
Plymouth, MN 55446
763-550-0176 (Voice)
Contact: Anne Marie Hennen

Mission: Volunteer foundation that assists people with disabilities by purchasing adaptive equipment.

Eligibility: Any Minnesota resident with visual, hearing or other impairments. Applicants are requested to try to exhaust other resources before applying. There is no maximum amount that any one individual can receive.

To apply:  Can help anyone of any age - low to medium income levels. The first Wednesday of each month a committee reviews financial assistance applications for hearing aids, ALDs, etc. Applicant will be contacted if approved for the funds.

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Deaf Education Reform (329)

c/o NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Address:   4708 Roseville Road., Suite 111

e-mail:             info@norcalcenter.org

Website:         www.norcalcenter.org

NorCal is headquartered in Sacramento with outreach offices in Redding, Chico, Marysville and Stockton and employees who are co-located at the California Employment Development offices in Roseville and Sacramento. NorCal employs approximately 50 people and contracts with a number of freelance interpreters and captioners.

Mission

NorCal Center on Deafness is a non-profit, community-based organization serving deaf and hard of hearing individuals, their families and the general public in 24 northeastern counties of California.

NorCal is one of a few organizations established by deaf and hard of hearing people to serve their community, and as a result, the services and programs at NorCal are uniquely designed of, by and for deaf and hard of hearing people. All members of the Board of Directors are deaf or hard of hearing. The director and staff members at NorCal represent the spectrum of experiences, educational backgrounds and communication modes of the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Goals

EMPOWER deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to live independently and productively within the greater society;

EDUCATE family members, service providers, employers and the general public of the unique communication needs, abilities and accomplishments of deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults and

ADVOCATE for equal access and opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in our society.

History

Right around December 1977, a group of deaf and hard of hearing leaders in the Sacramento community had a vision of their own. They foresaw a resource center that would help remove communication and attitudinal barriers for deaf and hard of hearing people. At the time, social services were available to the general population but not accessible to deaf individuals relying on sign language or other modes of communication. These leaders believed that all people, regardless of the degree of hearing loss, had a right to social services as citizens and realized that the services were crucial for the essential activities of daily life. These leaders gathered together in a borrowed office space at a local community college to organize and plan the implementation of an agency that was "of, by and for" deaf and hard of hearing people.

More than twenty years later, NorCal has grown to include a staff of over 50 employees and many dedicated volunteers. The agency's headquarters is located in Sacramento, with outreach offices in Stockton, Modesto, Chico, Truckee, Susanville, Yuba City, and Redding. NorCal continues to respond to the needs of its communities by expanding programs and stretching its funding base. On an annual basis, NorCal services effectively enhance the lives of over 40,000 deaf, hard of hearing, deafened, deaf-blind and developmentally disabled deaf children and adults and their families annually. NorCal's current programs are funded by a variety of government contracts, United Way, private trusts, individual contributions, fees for services and business operating income.

With over two decades of service provision to the deaf community, NorCal is now seen as a regional resource center, a forerunner in responding to the needs of the community. Programs and services have always reflected an approach that maintains the dignity of the individual and promotes self-determination. NorCal is proud of its contributions toward enhancing and improving the quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families.

The services provided by the model project was incorporated into Assembly Bill 2980 and became law in 1980. Since this time, NorCal has contracted with the Department of Social Services, Office of Deaf Access to serve Region VII. This law requires the provision of seven categories of mandated services: Communication Access, Information and Referral, Counseling, Independent Living Skills Instruction, Advocacy, Community Education and Employment Assistance.

Hearing aid support

While the agency does not directly provide hearing aids, they will send clients to the Agency for Hearing in Sacramento, which provides sliding scale fees for low-income residents.

Agency For Hearing

To apply

Contact NorCal or The Agency for more information.

Camp Grizzley

August 3 – 9, 2008

Camp Grizzly is at Grizzly Creek Ranch an ACA – approved, fully accessible camp and retreat facility near Portola, California; just an hour north of Truckee.

http://www.norcalcenter.org/?page=otherprograms&other_page=campgrizzly

Eligibility

Camp Grizzly accepts children between age 7 and 14 who are:

• Deaf or hard of hearing
• Hearing but has deaf or hard of hearing parents
• Hearing but has deaf or hard of hearing siblings
• Be fluent or familiar with sign language
• Have the ability/maturity level to function independently and follow instruction in a rustic camp setting with a ratio of two counselor per eight campers

Older children and teens are eligible to serve as counselors and counselors-in-training.

To apply

Application and Tuition Deadline: July 1, 2008

Tuition: $375; payment plans and camperships are available. Contact the organization for more information.  They will send an application and a tuition assistance form. Proof of income is required. The tuition assistance form is NOT available online and must be requested.

http://www.norcalcenter.org/PDF/cgcampercit08.pdf

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Disabled Children's Relief Fund (313)

P.O. Box 89 Freeport, New York 11520

To e-mail: http://www.dcrf.com/form.html

Mission: Disabled Children's Relief Fund (DCRF), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization,  provides disabled children with assistance to obtain wheelchairs, orthopedic braces, walkers, lifts, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical equipment, physical therapy, and surgery. Blind, Deaf, Amputees, and children with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Spastic Quadriplegia, Encephalitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spina Bifida, Down's Syndrome, and other disabilities receive assistance. DCRF focuses special attention on helping children throughout the U.S. that do not have adequate health insurance, especially the physically challenged. In some cases, DCRF may be the last resort.

Services: DCRF grant applications may be used for modest awards for assistive devices, rehabilitative services, arts and humanities projects, or for efforts to bolster compliance with existing laws for the benefit of children with disabilities. Applications may be submitted by families (parent or guardian) for an individual child, or by a non-profit organization for a small group of children.

Eligibility: People needing help for small grants for assistive devices and rehabilitative services for children up to 18 years old can apply.  More than one grant can be received, but you must reapply for each.

To apply: an application form is available online, but it cannot be accessed online. It must be printed from http://www.dcrf.com/application2007a.pdf and mailed in. The 2007deadline was September 30, and a current form is not available as of February 10, 2007. Applications are accepted between April and September, and only one application per year is accepted. The application must be complete or it will not be considered.

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Disaster Assistance (298)

Disasters happen: When there is a major disaster, such as wildfire, hurricane, flood, terrorist event, or something of a major magnitude, hearing aids and cochlear implant speech processors can end up lost, stolen, or broken in the chaos. Even smaller events can be a problem. Blizzards, heavy rainstorms, and extended heat waves can lead to damage to the hearing aids, shorter battery life, lost batteries and the inability to hear at a really bad time. Assistive listening devices are very important, too.

Plan for it in advance: The first step for you should be to plan for disasters. Have a pair of back-up hearing aids or processors (if possible), and plenty of batteries for both them and your current aids if the battery sizes are different, and whatever dry-aid you may have for storing your hearing aids handy. If a disaster is close, move them into your grab-and-go container.

If it looks like you might be home-bound for a period, such as a blizzard coming, make sure that you do stock up on any supplies you might need, including plenty of batteries.   

Make sure you are informed of potential problem situations: Have a NOAA weather radio that you can perceive, and nag your local TV stations to caption all urgent news bulletins. The last thing you want to do is go out and go shopping when there is a sniper on the loose. If they don’t caption everything, complain to the station, the newspapers and the Federal Communication Commission. Just in case all of the previous steps fail, have a couple of neighbors appointed to make sure that you are informed.  Get your accessible NOAA weather radio here: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/specialneeds.html

If you have to evacuate: Make sure that you bring your emergency equipment, but if you don’t succeed, you should have been contacting the local Red Cross and any other organizations that might be involved in advance to make them aware of the accommodations you will be needing. At the very least, they should have a stockpile of assorted hearing aid battery sizes and a TTY.

See if you can help arrange in advance for local hearing aid dealers and audiologists to be prepared to repair and give loaners during the emergency. This would be a good project for a Hearing Loss Association of America chapter or Association of Late-Deafened Adults chapter, or a Senior Center.

One example of an emergency service:  Following the 2007 California Wildfires, the Auditory Assistants in Escondido, CA, advertised that they will replace one hearing aid for anyone who lost theirs in the fire. Call (760) 743-5544.

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Dorothy Ames Trust Fund (309)

Key Bank Trust Client Services
Mail Code NY-31-66-0442
66 South Pearl St. 4^th Floor
P.O. Box 22042 Albany, MY 12201
Attn: Ed Deluccia
Tel: 1-866-238-8650 (V)
1-518-257-9662 (V)
Fax: 1-518-257-9670

Mission: Provides grants for purchase of hearing aids and auditory trainers for deaf children of New England.

Assistance available: This is a very small trust fund, and payment for cochlear implants is beyond the scope of the resources. However, assistance for portions of expenses is feasible.

To apply: Send a copy of the audiologist report, a statement of need from parents, estimate of cost for equipment or services requested, and the most recent signed tax return. If you get partial assistance from other sources and need more, let them know that you have looked and what you have found.

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EAR Foundation (322)

EAR Foundation

PO Box 330867
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone Toll Free (voice/TDD): 1-800-545-HEAR
Phone (voice/TDD): 615-627-2724
Fax: 615-627-2728

info@earfoundation.org

(http://www.earfoundation.org)

Mission

• To provide the general public support services promoting the integration of the hearing and balance impaired into mainstream society.
• To provide practicing ear specialists continuing medical education courses and related programs specifically regarding rehabilitation and hearing preservation.
• To educate young people and adults about hearing preservation and early detection of hearing loss, enabling them to prevent at an early age hearing and balance disorders.

History

He was in his early 20s, and could not hear a word his new doctor was saying. In fact, he had been profoundly deaf since early childhood. As a result, he had never learned to speak and had never been to school. He had never held a job and continued to live with his parents, doing odd jobs around their farm. When his parents died, he would probably be shifted from one family member to another or eventually institutionalized. He was a prisoner of his hearing impairment in a world made for the normally hearing.

The real tragedy of this case is one that happens so frequently. This young man's hearing impairment was surgically correctable. But his impairment had not been properly diagnosed in early childhood, and by the time his silence was understood, it was too late for him to develop speech.

This young man's case may seem extreme, but the fact is that he is not alone. More than 27 million Americans suffer from one of several kinds of hearing impairments. Early detection and treatment of these impairments is the fundamental principal behind the work of The EAR Foundation.

Services

The Senior EARs program is a response to the many calls we receive weekly requesting information on hearing loss and hearing aids. You will find a comprehensive booklet in PDF form which contains a wealth of information on hearing loss and the process to getting and adjusting to hearing aids. Also, for those in the Middle Tennessee area we have a no-interest loan program with payments to fit the individual’s budget in order to purchase a hearing aid and increase the quality of life.

Eligibility

1. You must be a US Citizen

2. You must reside in one of the following Middle Tennessee counties: Cheatham, Cannon, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, or Wilson.

3. You must be age 55 or older

4. Your annual income must not exceed $15,000

Application fee

If you apply for assistance, you will be asked to pay a non-refundable application-processing fee of $30.00 per hearing aid. This is the only fee The EAR Foundation will ask you to pay. A nominal monthly loan payment will be assessed based upon the assets and income statements provided with this application. This is a program of last resort. Please do not apply if you have other financial resources available to you.

To apply

Contact the Foundation or download the application from http://www.earfoundation.org/downloads/senior_ears_form.pdf. Send the application and supporting materials only when you can send everything at the same time. The address is:

The EAR Foundation

Senior EARs Hearing Aid Bank Program

PO Box 330867, Nashville, Tennessee 37203

(615) 627-2724; (615) 627-2728

www.earfoundation.org

They also accept donations of used hearing aids for this program.

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Easter Seals (247)

230 West Monroe Street, Suite 1800
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone:  312-726-6200
TTY:  312-726-4258  
Fax:  312-726-1494  
Toll-Free:  800-221-6827
Website:  www.easterseals.comPublications:  eNewsletter
Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for more than 80 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.

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Easter Seals Oklahoma City (320)

Easter Seals Oklahoma City

701 N.E. 13th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104

405-239-2525 Voice

 www.eastersealsoklahoma.org

Mission

Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for more than 80 years. Whether helping someone improve physical mobility, return to work or simply gain greater independence for everyday living, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.

Offers for children with hearing loss

Purchase of adaptive devices and medical equipment for children ages 0-21. This includes hearing aids, cochlear implants and speech therapy. They also offer hearing screening and pay for surgical procedures.

Eligibility

Aid is based on economic need, with sliding-scale services available. Age limit is up to 21 years old.

To apply

The doctor or nurse contacts Easter Seals, who sends the Direct Services paperwork. The patient (or usually, the parent) fills it out, and they can provide help for surgical procedures.

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Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation (312)

2460 North Lake Avenue, PMB#128

Altadena, CA 91001

626-398-8840

FAX 626-398-8845

executivedirector@ela.org.

http://www.ela.org/

http://www.ela.org/scholarships/scholarships_process.html

Mission: The vision of the Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation, Inc. (ELA) is to change the face of disability on the planet. In order to accomplish this vision, ELA’s mission is to promote, through grants and scholarships, the inclusion of people with disabilities in the areas of arts, advocacy and education.
 
History: The Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation, Inc. (ELA) was founded by Margaret Staton in 1994 to “Change the Face of Disability on the Planet.” Named after her maternal grandmother, ELA seeks especially to support the work of organizations that are led by or support the work of women with disabilities, encouraging distinctive projects that make a substantial difference. To quote its founder, “Total inclusion of people with disabilities in every aspect of society can and will happen as all of us embrace this vision together. Anything less than this is just not acceptable.”

 Eligibility & Application:  For information on eligibility and to apply, please visit the website: http://www.ela.org/scholarships/scholarships_process.html

QUESTIONS?
We have answered additional questions regarding the application process in the FAQ's of the Scholarship section of this website. We would advise that you read the FAQ section before continuing the application process. If you still have a question, please direct it via email to executivedirector@ela.org or call Deborah Lewis at 626-398-8840.

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Hear Now (228)

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Joanita Stelter, MS.Ed.
6700 Washington Avenue
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
VOICE: 800-648-HEAR (4327)
FAX: 952-828-6946
E-MAIL: nonprofit@starkey.com
WEB: www.sotheworldmayhear.org
A private, non-profit organization that provides hearing aids for adults and children who are residents of the United States, who are deaf or hard of hearing and who have limited income. HEAR NOW is a provider of last resort. All other options for service must be used before benefit can be approved. Services are distributed through a nationwide network of hearing professionals. Providers are asked to waive fitting and follow-up fees for the first year of warranty coverage. Clients pay for their hearing evaluations and a non-refundable HEAR Now processing fee of $60 per aide. The organization provided more than 15,300 hearing aides to people in need last two years. HEAR NOW also collects old hearing aids for recycling. Donated aides should be packaged and mailed. Donations are tax deductible and will be acknowledged.

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Hearing and Speech Center of Northern California (249)

CEO:  Thomas Ruppanner
1234 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Tel (415) 921 7658
Fax (415) 921 2243
TTY (415) 921 8990
Email info@hearingspeech.org
Website:  www.hearingspeech.org
Client Services Supervisor/Hearing Aid Coordinator:  Jessie Johnson
The mission of the Hearing and Speech Center of Northern California is to enable people who are hard-of-hearing and deaf, and people with speech/language disorders of all ages and backgrounds to participate fully in their families, schools, workplaces, and communities

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Heart Springs - Kansas (229)

Donor Hearing Aid Program
8700 East 29th Street North
Wichita, KS 67226
VOICE: 316-634-8750
TOLL FREE: 800-835-1043
WEB: www.atk.ku.edu/hearingaidfunding.htm
This program is available only to residents of the Wichita, Kansas area.   The goal of the Donor Hearing Aid Program is to place amplification on those individuals who are in need, but are unable to purchase new hearing aids. A full hearing evaluation is provided and if necessary, one or two reconditioned behind the ear hearing aids. The cost to the client is $100, which covers the expense of the ear molds. Candidates for the Donor Hearing Aid Program must:

. Be 60 years of age or older, or have a disability other than hearing loss
• Not have a suitable working hearing aid
• Not have a Medicaid card that will purchase a new hearing aid
• Have a written referral by a local community service agency or organization
• Be financially unable to purchase a hearing aid. Suggested guideline is 150% above poverty level

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HELPcard (292)

Contact:

ESCO

3215 Fernbrook Lane North

Plymouth, MN 55447-5325

1-800-992-3726

E-mail: info@earserv.com

Website: www.earserv.com/financing.htm

Mission: This company is primarily a hearing aid loss and damage insurance company, but also offers additional services to help ensure your uninterrupted hearing health:

• Make your hearing aid purchase easier through our financing program. HELPcard puts the hearing aid your hearing aid professional recommends within reach with affordable monthly payment options.
• Reminder Care, a free program that notifies you when your original warranty is about to expire so you never have to miss a day of being protected.

Service: The HELPcard gives you the buying power to purchase the highest quality hearing aid to correct your hearing loss with affordable monthly payment options (determined by creditworthiness of applicant). It is revolving credit, similar to a credit card, provides fast approvals, is easy to use and provides affordable monthly payments. The interest rate may not be particularly low, but the payment terms can be stretched out long enough to make the payments affordable for you. As with any loan, the faster you can pay it off, the less interest you will pay. However, in the meantime, you will have the hearing aids that you need and may not otherwise be able to afford.

To apply: Ask your hearing aid professional for a HELPcard application, which will take just a few minutes of your time to complete. Your hearing aid professional will submit the application by phone, fax or Internet, and get an answer, fast — while you’re still in the clinic. Once you’re approved, you can purchase the hearing aid you need, and with your HELPcard, spread the cost over affordable monthly payments.

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Hike Fund, Inc. (286)

ADMINISTRATIVE PRESIDENT: Mike James
10115 Cherryhill Place
Spring Hill, FL 34608-7116
VOICE/FAX: 352-688-2579
E-MAIL: ceterrill1@aol.com
WEB: www.thehikefund.org

Mission: The HIKE fund is a not-for-profit charity that provides hearing devices for children with hearing impairments between the ages of newborn and twenty years whose parents are unable to meet this special need financially.  For information and application forms, please visit the web site or email ceterrill1@aol.com.

History: The HIKE Fund, Inc. was created in 1985 by Emma Tedrick and Charles Terrill, the international leaders for Job's Daughters International (JDI). The Fund was developed as the philanthropic project of the JDI, a Masonic youth organization for girls, to give the members of that organization a specific and unique charity to which they were able to devote their energies.

There continue to be no paid solicitors or paid Board Members. All members of the Board of Directors and all helpers and members of Job's Daughters who collect the funds are unpaid volunteers and the percentage of donations distributed to needy children approaches 95% of all funds collected.

Eligibility:  Children under the age of twenty who are U.S. Citizens and have not received a previous HIKE Award within the last four (4) years and who have been identified as 1) having a need for a hearing aid(s) or an assistive listening device and 2) having a financial need can benefit from HIKE. Applicants with a documented hearing loss are considered without regard to sex, race, religion, color, or creed. Please note that we are unable to accept applications for services or devices which have already been fitted.

Assistance provided: With proper application, other hearing devices, as needed, on an individual basis may be considered for funding. Included may be enclosed caption converters for television, tactile units, FM units (into which a hearing aid is plugged for amplification), computers to assist deaf children in communicating, as well as other technical devices may be prescribed.

To apply for help: Each application is weighed on its own merit, and the application requires a letter from the applicant's family which is an important part of the application. Considerations include family income, size of household, and burdensome medical expenses.  The application is a six page document.  Please visit the website: www.hikefund.org for an application and further instructions.

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Holley Ear Institute (290)

Holley Family Village

22151 Moross Road
Professional Building One, Suite 223
Detroit, MI 48236-2172
(313) 343-3165 (V); (313) 343-8789 TTY; www.stjohn.org/hei

Mission: To assist the Deaf, Deaf/Blind and hard of hearing and provide services and programs aimed at improving their quality of life.

Financial Assistance: St. John Health Hospitals have programs to assist patients who are uninsured or cannot afford medical care. Our programs include sliding scale discounts, financial assistance for those who meet income requirements and referrals to federally funded programs. For more information about these programs at St. John Hospital and Medical Center, call 1-313-343-3322.

Funding: The Holley Ear Institute is primarily funded by private contributions. The Institute owns and operates the Holley Family Village in Brooklyn, Michigan. St. John Hospital and Medical Center provides office space and a small operating budget for the Institute’s Center for Communication Excellence. The interest from our endowment partially supports our summer programs.

Eligibility: Income requirements not specified.

Through education, recreation and therapy, the Holley Ear Institute's Family Village Programs strengthen the Deaf, Deaf/Blind, hard of hearing and their families, enhance their communication skills and empower them to adjust to a hearing world.

More specifically, the Family Village offers literacy education for families with Deaf children, youth leadership and art initiatives for Deaf and hard of hearing students, self-advocacy workshops for Deaf/Blind adults and classes in American Sign Language (ASL).

The Holley Ear Institute owns and operates the Holley Family Village, which has offered educational and recreational programs for the Deaf and hard of hearing since 1996. It is fully equipped with assistive devices for the Deaf and hard of hearing.  The Village Commons houses executive offices, a theater, dining room and a large educational kitchen.  The Village Art Center contains facilities for teaching, producing and exhibiting the visual arts that are so important to the Deaf and hard of hearing.  All accommodations and facilities at the Family Village were designed with the special needs of the Deaf in mind. 

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Hope for Hearing Foundation and Hearing Aid Bank (270)

6535 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 255 Los Angeles CA 90048
(323) 651-2615
(323) 651-2631 [Fax]
WEB: www.hope4hearing.org/hearing-aid-bank.htm

The Hope for Hearing Foundation Hearing Aid Loan Program is available only in the Southern California area at this time. The program collects used hearing aids of all kinds: behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in the canal (ITC), and completely-in-the-canal (CIC). The hearing aids are inspected and if still viable, they are put into working order and given away.  The hearing aids are intended for people that are hearing impaired but have no other resources for obtaining an instrument. Since they do not test hearing, the applicant must send a copy of a recent audiogram with his/her application.  For more information or an application call or visit the website.

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House Ear Institute (305)

2100 W. Third Street, 5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Voice: 213-483-4431
TTY: 213-483-2642
FAX: 213-483-8789
E-mail: webmaster@hei.org
Web site: http://www.hei.org

Mission: The organization is dedicated to advancing hearing science through research and education to improve quality of life. Scientists explore the causes of auditory disorders on the cellular and molecular level and refine the development and application of diagnostic devices, auditory implants and hearing aids. The Children's Auditory Research and Education (CARE) Center addresses the special hearing health issues and assistive devices needs of infants and children with a full spectrum of research, diagnostic treatment and educational services.  Full payment is expected.

Family Camp : May 30 - June 1, 2008

The House Ear Institute’s Family Camp is held at Camp Hess Kramer in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains overlooking Malibu. Each year Family Camp is offered to families with deaf and hard-of-hearing children as a forum for sharing feelings, comparing family experiences and exchanging information. Parents attend panel discussions and workshops led by professionals in fields of learning, social services, psychology and pediatric audiology, while their children participate in fun learning activities involving arts and crafts, dance and outdoor recreation.

The Institute’s camp is designed to ease fear, frustration and confusion frequently experienced by families who are raising a deaf child. The overall goals of Family Camp are threefold: 1) to help strengthen the family unit through better communication, 2) to develop and increase awareness of peer identity and support, and 3) to give deaf and hard of hearing children and their siblings the opportunity to share feelings and concerns with each other.

Registration: The registration fee of $75 per person includes room and board in shared group cabins. There are no private accommodations. Children one year and under attend free of charge.

Campership: A limited number of camperships are available to help pay your way to camp. The deadline to apply is 5/16/08.

Contact: Family CampHouse Ear Institute2100 West Third Street, 5th FloorLos Angeles, CA 90057

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Howard & Espa Michaud Charitable Trust (324)

Howard & Espa Michaud Charitable Trust

207-493-4168 (FAX)
E-mail: Ginette.Rivard@maine.gov

Mission

This trust is designed to assist “children from the Aroostook County area, with special emphasis on children from the greater Presque Isle area, who are in need of special treatment related to audio disorders or deficiencies." Funds may be used exclusively for the care, treatment and/or furnishing of devices for children with hearing impairments or disorders. All other funding sources must be accessed first.

Eligibility

Children up to 21 years old from Aroostook County, Maine. There is no income maximum, however, all other possible funding sources must be exhausted first.

Benefits

They will pay for hearing aids and can supplement what insurance will pay towards a cochlear implant. They also pay for assistive listening equipment

Other Services

They will refer you to other sources of aid that you may not be aware of.

To apply

Contact Ginette Rivard at the address or phone number above for an application. You must provide a copy of the bill for the services or equipment, a hearing evaluation and why the equipment would benefit the child.

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John Tracy Clinic (289)

806 West Adams Blvd

Los Angeles, California, USA 90007-2505

(213) 748-5481

http://www.johntracyclinic.org/

http://www.jtc.org

Mission: John Tracy Clinic is a private, non-profit education center founded by Louise Tredwell Tracy in 1942. Its mission is to offer hope, guidance and encouragement to families of infants and preschool children with hearing losses by providing free, parent-centered services worldwide. The Clinic has over 60 years of expertise in the spoken language option.

If you know or suspect that your baby or preschool child is deaf or hard of hearing, contact John Tracy Clinic immediately. If you live outside Southern California, visit www.jtc.org to enroll your family on line.

Hope for hearing foundation and hearing aid bank:  The Hope for Hearing Foundation Hearing Aid Loan Program is available only in the Southern California area at this time. The program collects used hearing aids of all kinds.  The hearing aids are inspected and if still viable, they are put into working order and given away.  The hearing aids are intended for people that are hearing impaired but have no other resources for obtaining an instrument. Since they do not test hearing, the applicant must send a copy of a recent audiogram with his/her application. 

John Tracy Clinic/University of San Diego teacher education program:  The John Tracy Clinic is a world-renowned center for parents and their young children with a hearing loss. The Teacher Education Program reflects the mission of the Clinic in providing candidates with specific skills in building collaborative partnerships with parents and their young children from birth through age 5.

Tuition for the University of San Diego is currently $1,120 per unit for 2008-2009. There are 44 units in the program, with a total cost for tuition of $49,280. Books and materials usually run about $1500 for the program. Then there are the living expenses incurred. For Onsite candidates, living expenses over the 10-month program would include room and board in Los Angeles, reliable transportation (a car, fuel and maintenance costs, car insurance), and miscellaneous costs (for example, an application fee to apply for the credential, etc.). For Distance Learning candidates, the same living expenses (as listed for the Onsite Program) are required over the two 4-week summer residencies in Los Angeles.

Scholarship information: U.S. citizens may receive substantial scholarship support, which may cover the full cost of tuition. Available grant monies vary from year to year, so scholarship support varies from year to year. Student loans may also provide additional monies for the candidate. The candidate may obtain a student loan, and if employed in an eligible California school for two years, the APLE program will forgive a significant part of the loan. Students may also benefit from the HERA Program (Higher Education Reconciliation Act).

Mary McGinnis, Cand.Ph.D., LSLS Cert. AVT.
Director, Teacher Education
John Tracy Clinic
806 W Adams Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90007
Voice: (213) 748-5481 TDD: (213) 747-2924 mmcginnis@jtc.org

Preschool for children who are deaf and hard of hearing:  This program is for ages two through five and is offered to families free of charge Monday through Thursday, September through May. Parent education and parent participation are emphasized in a rich, English language environment. Social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth opportunities are nurtured and activities are planned that encourage children to use their amplified residual hearing, and develop speech and receptive and expressive language skills.

Every child meets daily with a speech and language teacher for individual training. Parents work in the preschool one day per week and observe the speech and language sessions to learn how to teach language effectively at home. Parents also schedule weekly conferences with their child's preschool teacher and biweekly meetings with their speech and language teacher.

Parent Class and Support Group are attended by all parents twice a month. In this way, parents are given the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to foster their child's overall development, and to share with others the feelings, triumphs and obstacles their family is experiencing.

To enroll in the Preschool Program, parents must first attend the Parent/Infant Program on a consistent and regular basis.

Contact Person: Angie Stokes, astokes@jtc.org

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Kin Canada Foundation (325)

Kin Canada Foundation

1920 Hal Rogers Drive,

Box KIN

Cambridge, ON N3H 5C6

 E-mail: kinhq@kincanada.ca

Toll-free: 800-742-5546 • 800-PICK-KIN

Tel: 519-653-1920 

Fax: 519-650-1091

http://www.kincanada.ca/

To locate a club near you: http://kincanada.ca/en/index.php/about/finding_a_club/

Mission

The Kin Canada Foundation was founded in 2005 to further Kin Canada's mission of community service. The Foundation is a registered charitable corporation supported by voluntary contributions from Kinsmen, Kinettes and friends of the Kin Canada Foundation. 

The Foundation assists the Association by working to raise funds to enable Kinsmen, Kinette and Kin clubs and to be better serve Canadian communities. Numerous Canadian charities will also be direct beneficiaries of the Foundation's funds. 

Services

Some chapters can provide assistance for hearing aids and other hearing related needs.

To get help

Kinsmen and Kinettes are members of 542 clubs, which belong to the national association of Kin Canada. Each club elects its own officers and operates autonomously when determining how it fundraises and distributes those funds within the local community.

Each club in the Association elects an executive every year. This executive will consist of a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer at the very least. Many clubs include a registrar, bulletin editor(s) and directors as well. The role of the Executive is to act on the club's behalf in all matters of club business. They will meet regularly outside of the club's monthly meetings to discuss club business and take care of any business assigned to them by the club. The club president in particular plays an important role in how the club operates and is the liaison between the club and the deputy governor.

Each club decides whom, and how much they will help. You’ll need to contact a local club to get help. Find them on http://kincanada.ca/en/index.php/about/finding_a_club/

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Kiwanis Clubs (304)

3636 Woodview Trace

Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196

800-549-2647

317-875-8755

FAX 317-879-0204

To locate a local club: : http://classic.kiwanis.org/clubloc/

Mission: Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

Kiwanis members are committed to providing their clubs, communities, and the world with service. In fact, members dedicate approximately 6 million service hours per year conducting charitable programs. And nearly two-thirds of Kiwanis clubs devote more than 500 hours to service projects annually, with individual members averaging 24 hours of service per year. 

While there is no nation-wide organization program for providing hearing help for people with hearing loss, many individual chapters will help out their friends and neighbors. Contact your local Kiwanis club to see if they might be of assistance. You can locate a nearby club at the above web site.

Hearing Aid Purchase Discount for Kiwanis Members: http://classic.kiwanis.org/resources/benefits/

American Hearing Benefits, Inc.

American Hearing Benefits Inc. and Kiwanis International have partnered together to offer members and their families an exceptional discount on hearing instruments from the only major American-owned hearing aid manufacturer and leading producer of custom hearing instruments worldwide. In this program Kiwanis International members will get up to 60% off the purchase of hearing instruments, including the latest in digital technology. To learn more about this program call 1-866-925-1287.

Tips: Look for a member to sponsor your request for assistance and advocate for you. If you make it clear that you are contributing as much as you can to the cost of the equipment you need and if it is for a child, your request will be viewed more favorably.

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Knights of Columbus (300)

Knights of Columbus Headquarters
1 Columbus Plaza
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 752-4000
Email: info@kofc.org

Overview and Mission:  The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

At least a few Councils have donated money to individuals for the purchase of hearing aids. It is not clear if membership in the Knights or having a family member as a member is required to get help.

To ask for help: Contact your local “Knights of Columbus Council” or inquire about a local council at your nearest Catholic church.  Find an advocate within the council that you wish to approach and learn what the specific requirements are.

Generally, when asking for help from a group, you should to have explored other financing options and been turned down more or less thorough no fault of your own. Requests to help children are more favorably received than requests for adults, and you need to be ready to give financial details demonstrating your need. However, adult requests are more favorably received if the assistance will enable the recipient to become or remain self-sufficient. Be reasonable, and consistent. If you can partly fund your own needs and need the balance it will be better received.  If you are turned down, be gracious. They may want to help as an organization but not be able to.  They may also individually be able to refer you to other possible sources of aid.

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League for the Hard of Hearing (287)

Executive Director: Laurie Hanin, Ph.D., CCC-A
New York Location: 50 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10004
Voice: 917-305-7700
TTY: 917-305-7999
FAX: 917-305-7888
E-mail: info@lhh.org
Web site: http://www.lhh.org/

Mission:
The League for the Hard of Hearing mission is to improve the quality of life for infants, children, and adults with all degrees of hearing loss.

Services:
We accomplish our mission by providing hearing rehabilitation and human services for people who are hard of hearing or deaf, and their families, regardless of age, ability to pay, or mode of communication, and by striving to empower consumers to achieve their potential. Our leadership is exemplified by adhering to the highest clinical standards, conducting extensive hearing conservation and public education programs about hearing. And developing best practice models for disciplines that related to hearing and research.

Social Events regardless of ability to pay:
To counter the sense of isolation which often accompanies hearing loss, and to reinforce positive, pro-active opportunities for interaction and recreation, the League sponsors enjoyable social gatherings and groups for deaf and hard of hearing individuals of all ages, and their families. Most activities are free, and no one is ever excluded for financial reasons.

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Let Them Hear Foundation (288)

Headquarters
Palo Alto Office:

1900 University Avenue, Suite 101 E. Palo Alto, CA 94303
Phone: (650) 462-3143
Fax: (650) 462-3144

San Ramon Office:

5801 Norris Canyon Road Suite 200 San Ramon, CA 94583
Phone: (925) 830-9116
Fax: (925) 866-1699

Who Does LTHF Serve?

LTHF provides clinical services to hearing-impaired individuals who lack adequate access to funding and healthcare resources. Our patients range in age from birth to over 100 years old. And though located at multiple sites in Northern California, we serve patients around the globe on our bi-annual missions trips.

What Services Does LTHF Offer?

LTHF offers clinical services for:

• Children with hearing and/ or language deficits
• Prospective and current cochlear implant patients
• Candidates for auditory and speech/language services
• Any person who has been turned down by his insurance company for coverage of hearing-related service or device.

What Hearing Devices Can LTHF Provide?  LTHF provides consultation for many hearing devices and accessories, including cochlear implants, hearing aids and assistive listening devices.

What Is LTHF’s Payment Policy?  Payment is required at the time of appointment. LTHF requests insurance companies to directly reimburse PPO insurance holders for covered services. However, HMO or Medicare users will not be reimbursed for these costs.

Please note: This does not affect medical and surgical services provided by physicians at the California Ear Institute. Most insurance companies cover services such as surgery and post-operative visits.

LTHF accepts HMO insurance through the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF). If you have HMO insurance through PAMF, you are responsible for obtaining authorization prior to your scheduled appointments (Tax ID#02-063 0432).

Sliding Scale Payment

LTHF wants to serve everyone, regardless of income. Our sliding scale payment system makes our services affordable to those with lower incomes, or without health insurance.

To apply: Please complete and mail the application to the address printed on the application at Please note the sliding scale application is for LTHF patients in Palo Alto and San Ramon only. http://www.letthemhear.org/other/pdfs/sliding-scale-app.pdf

For additional information or to make an appointment, please contact us at (650) 462-3143 or appointments@letthemhear.org.

Services and Programs

Pediatric Hearing Aid Program: The LTHF audiologists specialize in pediatric care!  They work closely with physicians to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary evaluation of a child’s hearing abilities, determine appropriate treatment options, and make recommendations for long-term care.  We maintain a stock of loaner hearing aids from multiple manufacturers so that children can be amplified without delay after their hearing loss is identified.  This also allows us to ensure that children will not be without amplification while their hearing aids are in for repair.  Hearing aid services include evaluation, fitting, dispensing and follow-up of hearing aids, FM systems and other assistive listening devices (ALD).  Our young patients benefit from many types of hearing aid technology, including digital, directional and multiple memory circuit hearing aids. Depending on the child’s age, size of the ear canal, and degree of hearing loss, behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and completely-in-the-canal styles may be considered.  We dispense hearing aids from various manufacturers, including but not limited to: Oticon and Phonak. 

Cochlear Implants: The LTH audiologists are some of the most experienced, skilled cochlear implant audiologists in the world!  Cochlear implant services for pediatric and adult patients include pre-evaluation to determine candidacy, fitting and programming of external equipment, and all follow-up services.  We offer the choice of cochlear implants from all three manufacturers: Cochlear Americas, Advanced Bionics Corproation and MED-EL.  

LTH is one of the only centers to offer the Cochlear Nucleus Hybrid cochlear implant, which is currently undergoing FDA sanctioned investigational trials.  This device is proving to be a highly effective treatment for those patients with hearing loss too severe to allow the effective use of hearing aids, but too good for standard cochlear implants.

BAHA® SYSTEM: This is a unique and predictable solution for conductive and mixed loss hearing impairment. Safe and effective, Baha is used to aid people who present with chronic ear infections, congenital hearing loss, and single sided deafness.

Assistive Listening Devices: Because individuals function in a wide variety of listening environments we know that hearing devices alone may not provide enough sound information for learning or socialization purposes. FM systems and other assistive listening technologies may be useful to hearing aid and cochlear implant users. Your LTH audiologist will discuss assistive listening technology options with you during your appointment.

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Lions Club International (271)

Lions Clubs International Headquarters
300 W 22nd Street Oak Brook IL 60523-8842; www.lionsclubs.org

Mission: Lions are an international network of 1.3 million men and women in 202 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world.

History: In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" during the association's international convention. Today, Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired. Lions demonstrate their commitment to sight conservation through eyeglass recycling, sight partnerships and countless other sight services.

Hearing Loss Services: Lions clubs often provide communications aids for deaf and hard of hearing persons in the community. These aids include:

• sign language
• hearing devices
• hearing dogs

The Lions Club’s International Hearing Aid Bank Program (HARP)

Objectives :

• To establish an international hearing aid recycling program to promote the collection, refurbishing and distribution of donated hearing aids.
• To provide clubs with a means of providing hearing aid assistance at an affordable cost.
• To promote communication among Lions who collect used hearing aids.
• To closely identify Lions with hearing aid recycling and distribution.
• To facilitate the international expansion of the Lions Clubs International Hearing Aid Recycling Program.

For more information about this program and additional hearing information, contact the Program Development Department at Lions Clubs International Headquarters: programs@lionsclubs.org or visit the website for a program near you: http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/harp_centers.html. 

Lion’s Club Infant Hearing Program

Audiologist (not parents) must contact

612-626-0946 (Voice); 612-625-8901 (Fax)

Contact: Kirsten Coverstone; E-mail: mcdan011@umn.edu

Website: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/mch/unhs/resources/loaner-bank.html

Eligibility: Newly identified infants and young children.

Services: New and reconditioned behind-the-ear hearing aids are available for loan to newly identified infants and young children for a six-month period of time. Each device will carry a warranty. The loan program is designed to provide families with adequate time to investigate and purchase amplification for their child without delaying intervention. Audiological services, batteries and earmolds will need to be obtained through the dispensing audiologist at the families’ expense.

To find a club near you, go to: http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/agree_locator.php

Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project (Lions-AHAP) Fact Sheet

The Problem of Hearing Impairment:  The World Health Organization estimates that 250 million people worldwide suffer from severe hearing loss. Global hearing aid sales for 2002 were estimated at 6 million units. In the United States, there are 28 million Americans with a hearing loss. Of those Americans who need hearing aids, seven million cannot afford them. In 2002, the average price for a hearing aid in the United States was $1,600. Pricing is not affordable for many users, and many insurance companies often do not cover hearing aids. Additionally, the "low-priced" hearing aids advertised often are poor in quality and provide low user satisfaction.

The Lions-AHAP Solution:  To address these problems, LCIF has partnered with Project Impact to develop and manufacture the world’s highest quality, affordable hearing aid - branded as the "Lions Affordable Hearing Aid." LCIF has provided $600,000 in Core 4 funding since 2001 to support the design/development phase and to initiate manufacturing. Additionally, LCIF has funded clinical trials in Washington State and additional field-testing of this aid in Michigan, Mexico and South India. The clinical trial confirmed that the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid is of superior quality and compares favorable to aids costing US$1000 and more.

Through the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project, LCIF is now distributing the "Lions Affordable Hearing aid" at a cost of only $90-$120 (depending on volume ordered) to Lions hearing programs and individual clubs. Clubs in areas without a Lions hearing program will work with local audiologists to test and fit low-income patients. The price of $90-$120 does not include the provision of hearing tests and hearing aid fittings, which clubs and Lion hearing programs need to arrange with an appropriate local hearing professional. LCIF is encouraging hearing professionals to provide discounted services for these low-income patients, with clubs helping the patients cover these costs.

The Lions Affordable Hearing Aid has received FDA approval as well as the CE Mark for distribution in Europe. The first model now available is a digitally-programmable Behind-The-Ear design. A fully digital version, and smaller In-The-Ear models, will be available in late 2004.

What can Lions clubs do?  Local Lions clubs can become involved by recruiting audiologists and covering whatever costs the patient cannot afford. LCIF will be making the aid available to all Lions hearing programs and to individual clubs not covered by such programs. To qualify for participation, Lions programs and clubs will be required to income-qualify patients to ensure that low-income patients benefit. Guidelines for this are available from LCIF.

Can individuals Lions purchase the hearing aid?  Individual Lions can purchase the currently-available aid at a higher introductory price of $150, but they will be required to secure the services of a local hearing professional to fit the aid. Proceeds from Lions sales will be used to subsidize distribution of the hearing aid in developing countries.

For more information, contact: LCIF Humanitarian Programs, Telephone 630-571-5466, ext 615.

LCIF
300 West 22nd Street Oak Brook, Illinois 60523 E-mail: lcif@lionsclubs.org

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Maine Center on Deafness (328)

Address:   68 Bishop Street, Suite 3
                   Portland, Maine 04103

Toll Free: 1-800-639-3884 TTY/V outside the Portland calling area
Fax:          797-9791 FAX
e-mail:      emoran@mcdmaine.org

Website:   http://www.mcdmaine.org/

Mission

The Maine Center on Deafness (MCD) is a nonprofit community resource center that provides general information and referrals, D/deaf advocacy, consumer information, outreach services, support services and auxiliary aid information. MCD's focus is on linking the D/deaf population with existing community services. MCD works with the D/deaf population in any area in Maine where there may be a need and with service providers who wish to work with this group. MCD provides advocacy and promotes systemic change for Maine’s D/deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened, as well as provides education and awareness related to HIV/STD prevention, and offers social support groups for Maine’s D/deaf, Hard of Hearing and nonverbal developmentally delayed and mentally ill residents.

Services offered

Free TTY Directory

Free videophone with Relay

Come to MCD and use our FREE videophone with relay services provided courtesy of Maine Relay - Hamilton Services.

Equipment Program

MCD also has an Equipment Program which offers free and reduced cost specialized telephone equipment, and provides trainings to businesses and residents on using the Maine Relay System. Through the MCD Equipment Program both Telecommunications (TEP) and Emergency Notification System (ENS) equipment are available.

Options

Depending on your income there are three options available to obtain equipment:

Lending: For persons who live on a limited or fixed income, equipment will be provided to fit your telecommunication needs. You are responsible for insurance that covers the equipment for fire, theft, or other damage. If your equipment needs repair due to normal use, MCD will loan you equipment while we get yours repaired. Equipment must be returned when you move out of Maine or no longer need it.

 Cost-Share: If you are not eligible for the Lending Option or prefer to own your own equipment, you can purchase it at a reduced cost based on your income. You can choose from a wide variety of available equipment. You own the equipment and can take it with you anywhere, including out of Maine. You are responsible for any needed repairs and any warranty obligations.

Direct Purchase: If you do not want to provide income information you can purchase telecommunications and alert equipment at a discounted rate.  Contact us for more information.

Eligibility

You must be a Maine resident and have a physical or cognitive disability that affects your ability to use regular telephone equipment. For example, you may be deaf, hard of hearing, blind, have low vision or difficulty speaking.

http://www.mcdmaine.org/tep.htm

You must have proof of your disability. For example, a note from a doctor or other licensed professional, a copy of a signed audiogram OR a diploma from a school for the deaf and/or blind.

To apply

Request an application form from MDC or download it from http://www.mcdmaine.org/images/PDF/TEP_equipment_application.pdf.

Equipment Problems

If you have telecommunications equipment from this program and it is not working correctly, or does not meet your needs, please contact us.

Responsibilities

WHEN YOU BORROW EQUIPMENT UNDER THE LENDING PROGRAM YOU MUST:

• Agree not to lease, sell, give away, or allow a lien or mortgage to placed upon the equipment during the loan
• Agree to provide adequate insurance to cover loss against fire, theft, or other happenings.
• Agree to keep the equipment in good condition and avoid damage.
• Agree to inform Maine Center on Deafness if the equipment breaks down.
• Agree not to remove or permit another person to remove equipment from the state of Maine without written permission from the Maine Center on Deafness.
• Agree to keep monthly service plan current on all 1-way and 2-way pagers.
• Agree to return the equipment to the Maine Center on Deafness at its request.

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Masonic Organizations (303)

San Diego, California Programs: Complete Speech and Language diagnostic evaluations and individual, intensive speech and language therapy services for children age 2 to 21. . . . advocacy for children and their families. . . . consultations to schools, agencies and for other professionals.

How to enroll your child:

1. Call the Center at (619) 291-2506, or use the Contact Us Form to request information about enrollment.
2. A speech and language pathologist will return your call, or answer your Contact Us Form, to discuss or answer your concerns.
3. If your child appears to qualify for our services, an application packet will be sent to you, or you may fill it out on line and print it out. You will be asked to return all paperwork, as well as any relevant reports completed by other agencies.
4. Once your application is received, a therapist will contact you to further review the information. If our services seem to best meet your child's needs, their name will be placed on our waiting list. Wait time varies.

1895 Camino Del Rio South San Diego, California 92108
Phone: (619) 291-2506
Fax: (619) 291-8017
E-mail: Secretary@sdscottishritelanguagecenter.org

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MEDICAID and SCHIP Programs (295)

For a listing of each state’s Medicaid contacts:

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/contacts/

Medicaid is health insurance for people with very low income. SCHIP is your State Children’s Health Insurance Program. It is available for people with higher incomes than Medicaid. Each state establishes its own criteria. In some states, people with very low income may qualify for hearing aids through Medicaid. People with higher income may temporarily qualify for assistance with medical expenses, including hearing aids, through the “medically needy program” administered by the county social service agency. Look in the Government section of the telephone book under County Social Services, and request an appointment to determine your eligibility for Medicaid and SCHIP.

This web site has a listing state by state of who covers what and under what circumstances:

http://www.kff.org/medicaid/benefits/service.jsp?nt=on&so=0&tg=0&yr=2&cat=11&sv=11

Overview: Medicaid and Hearing Aids
Most states establish minimum hearing loss criteria for initial and replacement hearing aids, and many require a medical exam as well as an audiological evaluation to determine if a hearing aid is medically appropriate. Some states limit the types of hearing aids covered, and many establish a limit on the number of aids and accessories, such as batteries, that beneficiaries may receive within a particular period of time. Some states allow interim replacements or repairs if aids are lost or broken. Often, prior approval requirements are implemented to assure compliance with these standards.

Federal law and regulations related to the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Program require states to provide medically necessary services for children. Accordingly, items such as hearing aids are generally covered more frequently for children than for adults. Further, services that may not be covered for adults, e.g., binaural hearing aids, are often available for children, although states may use a prior approval process to assure medical necessity and appropriate utilization.

The predominant reimbursement methodology used by states for hearing aids is “fee for service”. This means the state has established a maximum payment amount for a particular item or service and pays the lesser of the provider’s charge or this amount. Often the payment is capped by an estimate of cost. Several states accept and pay “reasonable charge” or pay the provider’s “acquisition cost” plus a dispensing fee. States may also require that hearing aids be purchased from a vendor that has agreed to provide the aids at a reduced price through a volume purchase contract.

Overview: State Childrens’ Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)¹

In contrast to Medicaid, by design, S-SCHIP functions more like a private insurance policy and thus addresses the needs of generally “healthy” children. It is not an entitlement to individual children, and benefits may be less comprehensive in scope, amount and duration than Medicaid benefits, with some cost-sharing allowed. The medical necessity standard can be more restrictive than the “preventive” medical necessity standard used in Medicaid, limiting coverage of services to those that are restorative. Grievances and appeals may be less defined. And services not provided by Managed Care Organizations must be found elsewhere in the system, e.g., through state public health agencies.

Despite the variation just described, the majority of insurers made up for the limitations of the S-SCHIP benefit package designed by states and reflected in their contracts and would have provided coverage beyond the limits and exclusions of S-SCHIP for the majority of services examined here. This was particularly true for case management/care coordination for both children, which almost all insurers would have covered without limitations, when states limited or excluded this service. This was also the case for both children for the three prescription drugs studied, speech and language evaluation, hearing aids, fitted wheelchairs, and pumps for overnight feedings, which two-thirds of the insurers would have covered without limits (compared to states that unanimously limited these services). Finally, insurers were also more generous in their coverage of enabling transportation than states, all of which excluded coverage of this service, albeit with some more variation (about a third would have covered it without limits and another fifth with some limits).

This finding would indicate that insurers may provide, perhaps routinely, extra-contractual services by overriding otherwise applicable limits in the case of higher needs children, even though the premium they receive is not calibrated to tolerate this type of practice. On the other hand, certain services most needed by Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCNs), such as speech and physical therapy, motorized wheelchairs, and assistive communication devices, were generally restricted under S-SCHIP by both states and insurers in ways permissible under S-SCHIP but not permissible under Medicaid in the case of children. In addition, several insurers also excluded these services, seemingly against what the SCHIP programs called for.

¹Source: Anne Markus, J.D., Ph.D.,* Sara Rosenbaum, J.D.,* Ruth E.K. Stein, M.D.,‡ Jill Joseph, M.D., Ph.D., “From SCHIP Benefit Design to Individual Coverage Decisions,” Policy Brief #6: SCHIP Coverage Decisions, Center for Health Services Research and Policy, Department of Health Policy, George Washington University, School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, D.C., 2006

http://www.gwumc.edu/sphhs/healthpolicy/chsrp/downloads/SCHIP_brief6.pdf

Advice for people navigating these systems:

1. Find out if you are eligible for services, preferably before an emergency arises.
2. If a denial is made that you consider unreasonable, and you can make a case that coverage of hearing aids or cochlear implants, or bilateral cochlear implants would provide the child with greater functionality both now and as an adult, you should definitely appeal.
3. If a denial is made and you can make a case that providing an adult with hearing aids or a cochlear implant would make that person employable, you should definitely appeal.
4. Find an advocate to work with you.
5. Be reasonable and polite. People will be more likely to decide in your favor if you are. If you are too angry to be reasonable and polite, wait until you have calmed down before approaching the decision makers again.
6. Whenever possible, produce research documenting the importance of amplification and/or bilateral amplification. Your hearing healthcare provider will probably be able to help you. There also may be research posted on the Better Hearing Institute website that will be helpful for your argument.

For more information on Medicaid: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidEligibility/Downloads/MedicaidataGlance05.pdf

For more information on SCHIP: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/LowCostHealthInsFamChild/

To locate your state’s contact information: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/LowCostHealthInsFamChild/downloads/StateSCHIPDirectors.pdf

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Minnesota State Assistance Programs (299)

All states have multiple assistance programs for children and adults with hearing loss. There are the usual vocational rehabilitation, Medicaid and children’s insurance programs, assistive technology loan programs and possibly others. 

In many cases, your state may have a Commission (for) (on) the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. If the state has such a thing, your State Government will be able to connect you. Generally, they will be under the Human Services umbrella. They MAY have a comprehensive listing of programs that assist people with hearing loss in your state. They may not. If they don’t request that they develop one.

For an idea of what services may be offered in your state, these are some things the State of Minnesota offers. You can ask if your state has such help. Not all states will have all this, and some may have other services not offered in Minnesota. Persistence and multiple inquiries of different sources are needed to get the help you need.

State of Minnesota

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

8 regional offices throughout Minnesota.

Website: www.dhhsd.org

Description: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division (DHHSD) is a division within the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Staff at DHHSD can provide people with additional information about financial resources for hearing aids (including local hearing aid banks) and assistive listening devices.

ATMn Micro Loan Program

Assistive Technology of Minnesota

P.O. Box 310; Maple Plain, MN 55359-0310; 1-866-535-8239 (Voice); 1-800-627-3529 or 7-1-1 (Minn. Relay for TTY users)

Contact: Carol Fury, Executive Director; E-mail: info@atmn.org; Website: www.atmn.org

Mission: Assistive Technology of Minnesota provides a statewide, comprehensive, consumer responsive system of Assistive Technology for Minnesotans of all ages with disabilities.

Program: The micro loan Program was one of the first services offered by ATMN. This program provides low-interest loans to disabled individuals who do not have the money to pay for the Assistive Technology devices and services they need. After receipt of the loan the individual is able to make payments with an installment plan that fits their budget. They work with partner banks.

Eligibility: Must be a resident of the State of Minnesota and have a diagnosis of some disability. The loan must be used to purchase assistive technology.

To apply: There are three steps to apply for a micro-loan:
1. Complete the application form & return to ATMn. You can call and request a form if you don’t have computer access. Call 763-479-8239 for an application, or email ATMN at info@atmn.org.
2. ATMn sends the application to the Review Committee for processing and a recommendation.
3. When appropriate, ATMn works with the applicant and partnering Bank to complete the process.

Some sample loans: 

1. Computer software and hardware. This could include using computers for video communications.
2. Items for work or school. This could include hearing aids, assistsive listening devices.
3. Home modifications. This could include devices to alert deaf and HOH people to phones ringing, doorbells, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, loop systems and other safety and communications modifications.
4. Communication devices. This could include TTYs, CapTels, video relay setups.
5. Unique Assistive Technology devices. This could include devices for deaf/blind people, equipment so that deaf parents can know when their infants are in need of them, or anything else that meets a need.  

Minnesota Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET DYNAMIC CONVERSION&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&dDocName=id 002701

Adaptive communication equipment available for deaf and hard of hearing employees: Your nearest Deaf and Hard of Hearing Regional office can help employers identify adaptive communication equipment which can help overcome on-the-job communication barriers between deaf or hard of hearing employees and their co-workers or supervisors.  Equipment includes the Ubi-Duo (twin keyboards with digital read-out displays) and phone amplification systems.  And, you can borrow the equipment to test its effectiveness. Apply for assistance at http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/groups/disabilities/documents/pub/dhs16_139102.pdf

While this is aimed at employers, a hearing impaired employee could refer the employer to this resource. The ability to test the technology before purchase can be very helpful in selecting a workable solution for workplace communication challenges as economically as possible.

STAR Program
50 Sherburne Avenue, Room 309
Saint Paul, MN 55155
Phone: 651-201-2640
or toll free: 1-888-234-1267
MN Relay at 711 or toll free 1-800-627-3529
Fax: 651-282-6671

http://www.starprogram.state.mn.us/

What it is: A System of Technology to Achieve Results (STAR) is located within the Minnesota Department of Administration. STAR's mission is to help ALL MINNESOTANS with disabilities gain access to and acquire the assistive technology they need to live, learn, work and play. The Minnesota STAR Program is federally funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration in accordance with the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended (P.L. 108-364).

Directory of Funding Resources for Assistive Technology in Minnesota - Sixth Edition (2006)

Online version of our Directory of Funding Resources: http://www.starprogram.state.mn.us/funding_directory.htm

Includes deciding on strategies for funding what you need, locating assistive technology that meets your needs, and sources of new and used assistive technology and opportunities to donate your used assistive technology or exchange it for something else.

Northeast Hearing Aid Bank

DHHS N.E.

820 N. 9th Street, Suite 250; Virginia MN  55792; (218) 748-2253 (v); (218) 748-2252 (tty); http://accessnorth.net

Mission: The Hearing Aid Bank serves hard of hearing individuals in financial need who do no qualify for other assistance programs. When needed, we will arrange for a hearing evaluation and/or hearing aid through volunteer audiologists and hearing aid dispensers in the area.

Eligibility: Residents of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Pine, St. Louis, Cass and Crow Wing Counties in Minnesota. Income must be less than:

                                    Annual Income Household Size

                                     $16,500                      Single

                                     $20,000                      Married or single and have a child under 18                                                                               who lives with you. (Add $4,500 for each                                                                                 additional minor child.).

And assets less than $10,000 (Add $4,500 for each additional person.)

The Hearing Aid Bank will purchase one hearing aid through a state contact vendor. Purchase of a second hearing aid is possible at the client’s expense or with private donations made to the Hearing Aid Bank. Applicant may be asked to contribute a co-payment fee.

Comprehensive listing of sources of assistive technology in Minnesota: http://assistivetechmn.net/hear/resources.html

Comprehensive listing of sources of assistive technology in Minnesota, including a complete listing of sources to fund hearing aids. Includes insurance requirements, telephone equipment and service, and rehabilitation services.

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Miracle Ear Children's Foundation (301)

P.O. Box 59261 Minneapolis, MN 55459-0261 800/234-5422 www.miracle-ear.com

Mission Statement: This program provides new or reconditioned “Miracle-Ear” hearing aids and service free of charge to families ineligible to receive public support with hearing impaired children ages sixteen years or younger. Dahlberg, Inc. is a corporate sponsor which donates hearing aids for needy children and underwrites the foundation’s administrative costs. Eligibility for hearing aids and other services requires disclosure of complete financial information for individuals residing in the same household.  

Eligibility:  To receive assistance through the Children's Foundation, the child must be:

1.                  A resident of the United States, 16 years old or younger, and have a hearing loss that requires amplification.

2.                  In possession of an audiogram and medical clearance dated within the last 6 months. The FDA requires medical clearance be signed by a physician.

3.                  In a family with an income level which does not allow the family to receive public support. (currently $20,000-$50,000 gross)

4.                  In a family committed to intervention, rehabilitation, and necessary follow-up services as the child grows.

Applications are evaluated on a case by case basis. Applications will be sent to U.S. addresses only. The name and address of the child's parent or guardian are required for application requests. Supplemental contact information (phone numbers and email addresses) may also be helpful in turning around information requests.

To apply: Contact the Foundation at the address and phone number above, or apply online at: http://www.miracleear.com/resources/children_request.asp

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National Association of the Deaf (169)

Executive Director: Nancy J. Bloch
Address: 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3876
Voice: 301-587-1788
TTY: 301-587-1789
Fax: 301-587-1791
E-mail: nadinfo@nad.org
Web: http://www.nad.org
President: Kent Kennedy 
Publications: NAD magazine

National Association of the Deaf - Nation's largest organization safeguarding the accessibility and civil rights of 28 million deaf and hard of hearing Americans in education, employment, health care, and telecommunications. Focuses on grassroots advocacy and empowerment, captioned media, deafness-related information and publications, legal assistance, policy development and research, public awareness, and youth leadership development.

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National Technical Institute for the Deaf Scholarship Listings (296)

Rochester Institute of Technology National Technical Institute for the Deaf Scholarship Listings

This is a very comprehensive listing of scholarships for deaf, hard of hearing and late-deafened students. If you are interested in higher education, you should explore as many of these as appear relevant for you. Even if it does not appear relevant to you, you should go ahead and check it out, as many scholarships go unawarded due to a lack of applicants. Read the website completely, including the history of the organization, to help you compose an essay that they will be likely to accept. If they offer information on previous winners or previous essays, be sure to read them and heed them.

Don’t hesitate to contact the people offering the scholarship and ask questions before you submit your application. Not all listings appear to be current, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t still in business. Also ask about other scholarships that one scholarship may be aware of. You may turn up some leads that you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Abide by deadlines, but if you have a good reason for missing one, go ahead and contact them and ask if you might be able to apply late, and be prepared to explain why. Even if you don’t have a good reason, go ahead and ask as they may not have had any applications and will be glad to get yours.

http://www.netac.rit.edu/publication/financing_your_education/scholarships.html?c=focus&sc=Deaf/HoH/Late-Deafened

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National Tourism Association Scholarship (294)

546 E. Main Street Lexington, KY 40508
800.682.8886 U.S. & Canada
859.226.4444
859.226.4414 fax

For more information on the National Tourism Foundation’s scholarship program, contributing to a fund, or serving as a contact, contact the Foundation at ray@ntfonline.com

http://www.ntfonline.com/SpecialEvent/Yellow-Ribbon-Scholarship-Fund.php

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the National Tourism Foundation is to benefit society through the support of education and research contributing to the values of travel and tourism, including personal enrichment, community development, heritage and natural preservation, and cultural understanding.

GOVERNING VALUES

We believe that:

I. Qualified, educated, and career-oriented professionals are vital to the furtherance of the values of travel and tourism.

II. The use of quality research and resource information is vital to the furtherance of the values of travel and tourism.

III. Development and philanthropic activities are essential to the achievement of the mission of the National Tourism Foundation.

IV. Trustworthiness and fiscal responsibility are central to the activities of the National Tourism Foundation.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Foundation heads up many efforts designed for students in post-secondary education, with many scholarships awarded annually to students from the United States and Canada pursuing careers in travel and tourism. Various states and provinces, private entities, and corporations sponsor these scholarships. To date, more than 300 students have received NTF scholarships, valued at more than $1,000,000.

The Yellow Ribbon Scholarship is given yearly to a physically or sensory challenged college student pursuing a degree in the tourism industry. Currently, the fund is the largest administered by the Foundation, reaching a total of more than $80,000. The funds have assisted six students since its inception in 1995 and will award a $6,000 scholarship this fall, which includes an all-expense- paid trip to the National Tour Association’s Annual Convention valued at more than $3,000.

Eligibility: Applicant must be a physically or sensory challenged college student pursuing a degree in the tourism industry.

To apply: Deadline is early May. Contact foundation for instructions on applying as they are not available on the website.

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Optimists Clubs (307)

Help Them Hear Program

4494 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108
314-371-6000 - Voice
800-500-8130 - Toll Free

Website: www.optimist.org; E-mail: programs@optimist.org

Mission: In 1978, the Help Them Hear program was rolled out, giving many clubs a chance to do something for hearing-impaired youngsters and adults. The program was designed so that clubs would implement programs to heighten public awareness of the problems associated with hearing impairment, to provide local testing facilities, and to provide corrective and educational techniques for those people with hearing impairments.

Some clubs accepts donations and work with various companies and organizations to help those in need of hearing aids. Donated hearing aids are repaired or recycled and given to those in need.

Eligibility: Unclear, but seems to vary from club to club. One specifies that the child must be under 16. Check with your local clubs.

Communication Contest for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH)

History: The Optimists have been conducting oratorical contests since 1928. The Hearing Impaired Contest (CCHI) started in the Pacific Southwest District as club contests. An optimist in Orange County and then one in Van Nuys felt that the Optimist Oratorical Contest did not provide a forum that the hearing impaired could use. So they started a separate contest in 1980. Through the efforts of many, at a convention on June 29 through July 3, 1991, in Nashville, Tennessee, the Optimist International Board of Directors accepted a proposal to make the CCHI an international program for all Districts.

The purpose of the Optimist Help Them Hear Program Communication Contest is to provide a forum for as many hearing impaired children as possible regardless of communication method, to help them overcome the difficulties of communication. This contest is not run by every club, but when it is, there are two divisions in the contest - Oral and Total (some version of sign language). Within the deaf community there are many methods of communication and the teaching of the deaf. Whether a deaf child learns to communicate orally or with one of the many sign languages is up to that child and his /her parents. The Optimist purpose is to provide a forum to help as many youth as possible whatever their communication choice.

The dictionary defines "deaf' as any hearing impairment. Many of the contestants in the final have a severe-profound to profound hearing loss. Many students who have participated in the Oral Division may actually have a greater hearing loss than those in the Total division. Prizes appear to be from $1000 - $2000 for first prize winners, but that needs to be verified for the local club running the contest.

Oratorical contest: Contestants between the age of eleven to sixteen must write and deliver a speech, with a specified title, five minutes in duration, in front of an audience and three judges. Optimist members cannot be judges, so qualified members of the community are selected for this task. There is a girl's category and a boy's category. The two winners at each club will compete at the Zone level. Those winners (one girl, one boy) will participate in an Area contest, between Zones, where those winners go on to the final, District level competition. The winners each receive a $1000-$2000 scholarship. Throughout these competitions, the participants and immediate family are "guests" of the Optimist Organization, with all travel expenses, meals and lodgings provided for. There is no reason while an oral teen can’t participate in this contest as well.

To locate a Club: http://www.optimist.org/default.cfm?content=districtdirectory.cfm

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Quota International (273)

1420 21st Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 331-9694
Web site: http://www.quota.org
Quota International assists low income individuals with purchasing hearing aids.

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Sertoma International (233)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Stephen Murphy
1912 E. Meyer Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64132
VOICE: 816-333-8300  
FAX: 816-333-4320
E-MAIL: infosertoma@sertoma.org
WEB: www.sertoma.org

Sertoma Hearing Aid Bank or Hearing Aid Recycling Program (SHARP):  These hearing aids are distributed through a variety of means in different states. Contact Sertoma International to see how they are distributed in your state.

Sertoma International Scholarships (Oticon - Phonic Ear):  For an application, visit www.sertoma.org.  

Mission Statement: Sertoma International is accepting applications for scholarships for all deaf and hard of hearing college students pursuing four-year degrees.  They will provide 13 awards of $1,000 each to students attending universities in the US or Canada.  This scholarship program has been made possible through a donation by Oticon, Inc. and Phonic Ear Inc.  Both companies are well known for the hearing instruments they create and produce. 

Students can use the awards for any school-related expenses including tuition, books and supplies during any academic term, including summer term.

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of the United States of America.
• Must be either entering college on a full time basis or currently attending college on a full time basis at a college or university in the United States of America.
• Must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Graduate degrees, associates degrees, community colleges or vocational programs do not qualify.
• Must have a minimum 3.2 on a 4.0 scale un-weighted GPA or be at least 85% in all courses. For high school students entering college this is cumulative GPA for grades 9-11 and first semester of 12th grade. For students currently at a freshman level in college it is cumulative GPA for grades 9-12 and first semester of college. For college students who are sophomores or higher it is your college transcript for all semesters completed.
• Must submit application and all required materials in single envelope by deadline date.

To apply: Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with request. Get the details of what is required at: http://www.sertomafoundation.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Document.Doc?id=71

Deadline:  May 1 (varies depending on the day of the week the first falls on)

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Starkey Sound Choice (291)

901 East Cerritos Av

Anaheim, CA 92805

1-800-839-9078 (Voice)

www.soundchoicefinancing.com

Mission Statement: Provides financing for the purchase of healthcare products and procedures, including hearing aids and accessories.

Eligibility: Anyone who is approved for credit

Service: Starkey’s SoundChoice Hearing Finance Plan is also offered through GE Consumer Finance, as is CareCredit, for the purchase of hearing aids, batteries, warranties, and maintenance needs. This is a part of the CareCredit organization.

To apply: Ask your hearing aid provider if they offer hearing aid financing through Starkey’s SoundChoice. If they do, the application takes just a few minutes to complete when you are in the hearing aid dispenser’s office. You’ll know within minutes if you are approved. SoundChoice offers a 3, 6 and 12-month No Interest Plan and a 24, 36 and 48 month Low Interest Payment Plan. Or apply online, after checking that your provider accepts this plan. https://www.geonlineapply.com/servlet/MCSGenericApp

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State Alternative Financing Programs (306)

What it is: These are low-cost loans to purchase assistive equipment. Different programs will different requirements for income and what they will finance.

To find programs: Try a computer search of “Alternative Financing Program” and your state. Not every state has a program but most appear to.

States with AFPs: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

To locate your AFP: Able Data has a complete listing, along with other resources. Go to this web site. http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=113573&top=16040&ksectionid=19326&stateorganizations=1

You can also go to your state’s website, or call the state and ask for information.

To apply:  Follow the instructions for your state. Different agencies are responsible for this program in different states.

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The Dr. Ann Stadelmaier Hearing Aid Fund (267)

The Dr. Ann Stadelmaier Hearing Aid Fund
Executive Director: Anne Orsene, Au.D., CCC/A
4949 Harlem Road, Suite 301 Amherst, NY 14226
Voice: 716-833-4488 FAX: 716-839-1218
E-mail: info@aadb.org Web site: http://hearingevaluationservices.com

This fund was developed in 2006 by Hearing Evaluation Services, a non-profit audiology group, in memory of their past director who passed away after a long battle with cancer. The program is available only to residents of the Buffalo, NY area (Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties). The fund is intended to help hearing impaired individuals that cannot afford hearing assistance by providing them with one new digital hearing aid. This service is provided in conjunction with the State University of New York at Buffalo’s Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic. Eligibility is based on financial and audiological need. The cost to the client is a $150 dispensing fee payable to the University of Buffalo that covers all visits within the first two years. A downloadable application form and patient information sheet is available on the website.

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Travelers Protective Association of America (234)

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY: Brian K. Schulte
3755 Lindell Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63108
VOICE: 314-371-0533
FAX: 314-371-0537
E-MAIL: support@tpahq.org
WEB: www.travelersprotectiveasn.com
The Travelers Protective Association of America established the TPA Scholarship Trust for the Deaf and Near Deaf to provide financial aid to children and adults who are deaf or have a hearing impairment.  This program provides assistance for mechanical devices, medical or specialized treatment or specialized education to those who demonstrate financial need. Grants may be used to purchase hearing aids, assistive listening equipment, or may help with the cost of a cochlear implant. A downloadable application is available online in the “Scholarship Trust” section of the web site.

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TRICARE - U.S. Department of Defense Military Health System (245)

Skyline 5, Suite 810, 5111 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041-3206
Voice:  (877) 874-2273 - Tricare Regional Office North
 (800) 444-5445 - Tricare Regional Office South
 (888) 874-9378 - Tricare Regional Office West
Web site: http://www.tricare.osd.mil  
Eligible Tricare beneficiaries will receive all medically necessary and appropriate services and supplies, including hearing examinations administered by authorized providers that are required in connection with this benefit.  This benefit is extended to family members as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2002.  Eligible beneficiaries who suspect that they or a family member may have a hearing loss should schedule an appointment with their primary care manager for an initial examination. The primary care manager will then refer the beneficiary to an audiologist for any necessary tests.

For more information and to review eligibility requirements, visit the Tricare Web site or call the appropriate regional office.  Overseas beneficiaries may call (888) 777-8343

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