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Home > Bureau of Rehabilitation Services > Division for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing> Resource Guide > Agencies Resource Guide: AGENCIES & HEARING AID ASSISTANCELast Updated; March 12, 2012 Alpha OneSouth Portland office Bangor office Presque Isle office Website: www.alphaonenow.org Alpha One is a community-based enterprise directed and managed by people with disabilities dedicated to developing independent living opportunities. Alpha One promotes peer interaction, community resource utilization, and self advocacy skills. It seeks to ensure equal opportunity and compliance with all disability-related laws through increased public awareness, professional consultation, and community advocacy. The Adaptive Equipment Loan Program, Adaptive Driver Education, and Information and Referral Service are of special interest to deaf citizens and agencies who serve deaf clients. Low interest loans can cover hearing aids, flashing alert systems and agency TTYs. Interest rates are based on the borrower's monthly income and expenses, and loans may be for extended periods of time. A down payment may not be required. A loan of $2,500 or less could qualify for expedited approval. Independent Living (IL)-Deaf services are provided in the Portland and Bangor areas by IL service advocates for deaf individuals who use sign language. Services may include independent living support or advocacy. Services help people advocate for themselves within the community. Possible source of adaptive smoke alarms and low interest loans for hearing aids and other adaptive equipment. Title 7, Part B Grant Program provides financial assistance available through funds from the U.S. Department of Education and the Rehabilitation Services Administration. This grant is designed to help consumers with disabilities address: health & disability management, self-care, mobility & home accessibility, participation in community activities, communication, and learning difficulties. Funds are available to purchase services and adaptive equipment such as hand controls, lifts for vehicles, ramps, showers, hearing aids, TTYs, flashing alarms and signals. Hear in Maine is an Alpha One program that offers people resources to find hearing aid services and financial aid. They maintain a list of audiologists, hearing aid vendors, and financial resources. They look at eligibility for funding supports and where to find them. Contact Beth Mogan at Alpha One to discuss the resources available. Area Agencies on AgingAging & Disability Resource Centers These agencies provide services to older adults, adults with disabilities and their families, including information and assistance, education, advocacy, insurance counseling, nutrition programs and caregiver education and support. Aroostook Agency on Aging, Inc. Spectrum Generations Eastern Area Agency on Aging Southern Maine Agency on Aging SeniorsPlus AUDIENTAdministered by EPIC Hearing Healthcare 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 $2,400 for 2 new digital hearing aids, ear molds, a fitting, three follow-up visits, and a one-year manufacturers limited warranty period. Arrangements are made for referral to a participating hearing healthcare professional near you. Income requirements: Family size: 1: $27,000 income, 2: $36,000, 3: $46,000. Family Violence Assistance ProjectP.O. Box 304 The Project provides counseling, advocacy, referral, and shelter to victims of domestic violence. hear ME now!P.O. Box 896 Our mission statement: hear ME now!, Maine’s only Auditory Oral Deaf Education Center, is committed to the families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children and ensures opportunities to learn to listen and speak through innovative teaching and technology.
• early intervention services in the home – how to help your baby learn to listen through play • parent support gatherings • consultative support to community preschools by an auditory oral teacher of the deaf • school age supports and consultation • professional development, and • adult rehabilitation to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who choose to learn to listen and speak. We are a member of OPTIONschools International – a consortium of programs dedicated to advancing excellence in listening and spoken language education. Who we are: Our staff includes a certified early childhood special educator, certified speech/language pathologists, certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialists (LSLS), an Educational Audiologist, and certified Teachers of the Deaf who specialize in helping children who are deaf and hard of hearing learn to listen and speak. All of our direct support staff hold a certification in Listening and Spoken Language (LSLS) or are completing an extensive LSLS preparatory program. What is a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist? A Listening and Spoken Language Specialist has special training in promoting language development through listening. A LSLS holds an international certification from the Alexander Graham Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language. The Academy was established in 2005 to advance listening and talking opportunities for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals through established standards of excellence.
• A passing score on the international LSLS-AV certification exam • A Master’s degree in speech-language pathology, OR education of the hearing impaired • A license/certificate to practice in Maine • At least 30-80 hours of post-graduate study in Strategies for Listening and Spoken Language Development • At least 900 clock hours of professional experience in the provision of auditory verbal therapy within the past three years. At least 750 of these hours must be in direct therapy, OR at least 15 clock hours per week for three school years directly teaching children with hearing loss to listen and talk in a Listening and Spoken Language Program • Signed letters of recommendation from three families Hear NowA Program of the Starkey Hearing Foundation HEAR NOW, the U.S. program of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, provides hearing aids to adults and children who are permanent residents of the U.S., meet the financial criteria and are approved for assistance. HEAR NOW is an organization of last resort; all other options for service must be used before HEAR NOW benefit is approved. To determine if someone meets the eligibility requirements, call 1-800-328-8602 (V). There is a nonrefundable processing fee of $125 per hearing aid. HEAR NOW also collects used hearing aids for recycling. Donations are tax deductible. Hearing aids should be packed in a padded envelope or box along with the clearly printed name and address of the donor . Send to HEAR NOW, A Program of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, 6700 Washington Avenue South, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. Acknowledgment letters will be sent within six weeks of receipt of donation. Help America Hear ProgramFoundation for Sight & Sound The Help America Hear Program is designed to provide hearing aids to individuals who do not have the financial capacity to purchase them and who meet the other criteria defined by the program committee. Lion's ClubBruce Keezer, State Chair of Speech & Hearing Your local Lion's Club can donate toward hearing aids and adaptive equipment. Call the club nearest you to inquire about their speech and hearing program. The Lion’s Club will accept donations of old hearing aids in the eyeglass collection boxes. For information about your local club, call the above number. MaineCare Coverage in Nursing Facilities1-800-977-6740 (V) Most items (hearing aids) needed by an individual in a nursing facility are covered by the MaineCare payment to the facility or use of the MaineCare ID. Individuals with medical expenses not covered by the MaineCare ID or the MaineCare payment at the facility may have these expenses deducted from their cost of care. These expenses are deducted starting the month following the month in which the bills are received in the local Department of Health and Human Services’ office. Contact MaineCare or the Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Late Deafened for more information. Maine Center on Deafness (MCD)68 Bishop Street, Suite 3 Website: www.mcdmaine.org The Maine Center on Deafness (MCD) is a small, private, non-profit community resource center that serves to identify the needs and maximize the potential of D/deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened and speech-impaired individuals throughout the State of Maine by providing information, empowerment, advocacy and referral services to promote public awareness and understanding of Deaf culture. MCD provides advocacy and promotes systemic change for Maine’s D/deaf, hard-of-hearing, and late-deafened people through the Civil Rights Program, and hosts structured social support groups for Maine’s D/deaf, hard-of-hearing and non-verbal people who have developmental delays in a signing environment. Civil Rights ProgramJana Roberts, Civil Rights Program Manager MCD provides individual representation in meetings and hearings, and assists in obtaining workplace and other accommodations such as amplified phones, TTYs, captioning, educational services and interpreting. MCD also provides systemic advocacy for Maine people with hearing loss. This advocacy includes working with Maine state agencies and Maine’s Legislature, and also includes convening the Deaf Rights Group (DRG), a statewide coalition open to organizations and individuals committed to obtaining equal access for the D/deaf, late deafened and hard-of-hearing people in Maine. Visual Gestural Communication (VGC)ProjectJennifer McCann, LCSW, Coordinator Visual Gestural Communication (VGC) is often used by folks who have limited formal language skills. The VGC project delivers communication training for staff and families who work with adults with developmental delays and limited language who are D/deaf, hard of hearing or nonverbal, and who are served by the Department of Health & Human Services (formerly Behavioral and Developmental Services). Visual Gestural Communication trainings and workshops are available on a limited basis; contact MCD for more information. Peer Support GroupJennifer McCann, LCSW, Coordinator Individuals who are D/deaf, hard of hearing or nonvocal with developmental delays or mental illness get together for social activities in a signing/visual gestural environment. This group meets once a month in Augusta and Bangor with special activities state wide. Please check our web site or call the Maine Center on Deafness (MCD) for more information or to be added to the mailing list regarding Peer Support Group. MCD Equipment ProgramSarah-Jane Wing, Equipment Program Manager Telecommunications Equipment: Telecommunication devices, including TTYs, amplified telephones, speakerphones, and other specialized telephone equipment are either loaned or sold on a cost-share basis to eligible individuals who are unable to use regular telephone equipment effectively because they are D/deaf, hard of hearing, or have one or more speech, vision, cognitive or mobility disability (ies). Individuals are required to provide proof of disability as well as documentation of annual household income. The staff will provide information and training on use of the various types of equipment that an individual may need and are available to assist if there are problems with the equipment functioning correctly and addressing the individual’s needs. Emergency Alert Notification Equipment: Individuals who are D/deaf or hard of hearing are eligible to receive, either on a loan or cost-share basis, equipment that will allow them to receive emergency alert notifications that are not accessible to them via normal television and/or radio transmission. TTY Directory: MCD publishes an annual directory of TTY users and TTY access numbers for public and private agencies. The directory also includes contact information for videophone users (for Video Relay Service and direct videophone communication) and any other personal information which individual members of the Deaf community request to have included in their listings. Updates will be made available on the MCD web site. To apply for the Telecommunications Equipment or Emergency Notification System Program, contact MCD or download an application from our web site.
Telecommunication Equipment Project Application Form
Website: www.mcdmaine.org/equipment.html Communication and OutreachGlenn Shelton, Program Manager MCD’s Communication and Outreach Program provides statewide remote office hours, information, and education related to all the MCD services including the Maine Relay System. The Outreach Program also strives to educate businesses, professional associations, educational institutions, and private and government agencies, as well as the general public, about the unique needs of the D/deaf, hard of hearing, and late deafened. Special emphasis is placed on the Maine Relay Service and how to make and receive relay calls. Outreach Program staff provide educational presentations, public awareness materials, in-service training and workshops in locations across the state. Exhibits are provided for conferences, trade shows and other public meetings. The Outreach Program has an array of print materials available, including informational brochures and educational materials regarding making and receiving all types of relay calls. Outreach staff also provide training and assistance to new relay users and their families and friends, and assist in resolving any problems that relay users may have in accessing the Maine Relay Service and completing their calls. MCD also offers a quarterly newsletter publication. Contact MCD to add your name to the mailing list or read the electronic copy on our web site, www.mcdmaine.org. MCD Telephone System - TTY and Voice extensions for MCD staff:Erin Sprinkle, Office Manager: 303 (TTY), 103 (V) MCD's telephone system makes it possible for TTY users and hearing callers to use the same system and phone numbers. When you call MCD during regular business hours, a real person will usually answer your call. TTY calling instructions: If you reach the answering machine, you will need to use this procedure: From a direct-connect TTY (TTY with phone line): If using TTY with voice phone (TTY without phone line): For a directory of staff, enter 5 using the instructions above, or you can wait until the answering machine message is finished and you will be connected with the TTY answering machine at the front desk at MCD. Your message will then be given to the person you want. Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation (formerly Maine Handicapped Skiing)Sunday River Ski Resort Free year-round recreation lessons and programs for children aged 4+ and adults with physical disabilities. Sports include alpine skiing, nordic skiing, snowboarding, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and golf, and take place at various sites and resorts throughout Maine. All equipment and instruction is provided. Call or visit the website for more information or to register for programs. Maine State Housing Authority/U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)353 Water Street If you live in subsidized housing, check with your contact at HUD regarding deducting medical expenses such as hearing aids and hearing aid batteries from your monthly rent at your annual review. Medicare1-800-633-4227 (V) Medicare may offer some funding towards the purchase of hearing aids under some Advantage Plans or Part C. Refer to your “Summary of Benefits” or call the phone number on the back of your card to see if you qualify. New England ADA Center-DBTACA Project of the Institute for Human Centered Design [formerly Adaptive Environments] Oce Harrison, Ed.D., Project Director Provides federally approved information and training to individuals, businesses, and organizations about the Americans with Disabilities Act. An educational resource – not an enforcement agency. Inquiries will be kept confidential. Travelers Protective Association of America Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired (TPA)3755 Lindell Boulevard TPA provides assistance to persons who would benefit from mechanical devices, medical care, specialized education or treatment, and are unable to provide the funds themselves. There is no restriction on age, sex, race or creed. You must be a United States citizen. Grants may be used to purchase hearing aids, assistive listening equipment, or to help with the cost of a cochlear implant. TRICARE Regional Office (TRO)Family of Armed Service Members Eligible for Hearing Aids The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2002, provides active duty family members (ADFMs) who meet specific hearing loss requirements the eligibility to receive hearing aids, services, and supplies as a TRICARE benefit. Service physicians and audiologists from the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs have helped Tricare officials to establish separate hearing-level thresholds for adults and children. More information may be obtained from the Tricare website. Previously, hearing aids and services were only available to those beneficiaries who were in the Program for Persons with Disabilities (PFPWD). The criteria for an adult ADFM to qualify for hearing aids and services are 40 decibel (dB) hearing loss (HL) or greater in one or both ears when tested at one of the following frequencies; 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 3,000 or 4,000Hz; or 26dB HL or greater in one or both ears at any three or more of those frequencies (mentioned previously); or a speech recognition score less than 94 percent. The criterion for children of active duty service members to qualify for hearing aids and services is 26dB HL or greater hearing threshold level in one or both ears when tested in one of the following frequency ranges: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 or 4,000Hz. 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. Eligible beneficiaries who suspect they or a family member may have a hearing loss should schedule an appointment with their primary care manager or medical provider for an examination. Beneficiaries will then be referred to an audiologist for any necessary tests. Veterans Administration (VA)Audiology If you are a veteran, check with the VA to see if you qualify for hearing aids. You may qualify if you have a 10% service-connected disability (for any reason) and a hearing loss. To apply for a service-connected disability and pension compensation, you must fill out a VA form 526. Veterans with very low income may be eligible for healthcare through the VA. This will cover hearing aids and may also include TTYs, telephone amplification devices, personal listening systems and cochlear implants. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)Services for deaf and hard-of-hearing clients assist in attaining employment and independence. REGION I Bureau of Rehabilitation Services REGION II REGION III Virginia Pelletier, Rehabilitation Assistant 91 Camden Street, Suite 202 REGION IV Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Penobscot Community Health Center (PCHC)/Warren CenterP.O. Box 439 Ann Marie Power, Practice Manager Our Mission: The PCHC/Warren Center provides evaluations, therapies and technologies in the areas of speech, language development and hearing to children and adults of Central and Eastern Maine. Audiology: The PCHC/Warren Center provides complete audiometric evaluations performed by our licensed, certified doctors of audiology. Evaluations include a number of specialized tests for infants, children and adults that assess hearing ability and type of loss, such as nerve damage or ear infection. Complete Hearing Aid Services: Hearing aids may be purchased through the PCHC/Warren Center after a complete diagnostic evaluation. With recommendations from the audiologists, you can choose from a wide variety of hearing aids, including programmable and digital aids. The PCHC/Warren Center offers a 30-day trial period and a two-year warranty with any new hearing aid. Hearing aid repairs and servicing are available for most makes and models. The Regional Hearing Aid Bank: ReHAB for short, is designed to provide one hearing aid to those members of our community who are unable to afford them. It utilizes donated behind-the-ear hearing aids that can be refurbished and reprogrammed for use by another person. The ReHAB program is designed particularly for members of the community who are unable to be served by the Veterans’ Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation program, insurances or other third-party providers and whose annual income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level. There is an application process and a waiting list (which can be up to three years long, depending on funding available) for these services. Applications are available by calling the PCHC/Warren Center at 941-2850 or may be picked up at the PCHC/Warren Center office at 175 Union Street, Bangor. The contact person is Tammi LeBrecque, E-mail: tlebrecque@pchcbangor.org. Donations of hearing aids to benefit the ReHAB program are always accepted. Behind-the-ear hearing aids of all makes and models are those used for refurbishment and placement. In-the-ear hearing aids are recycled, and the proceeds are then used to help with the costs of refurbishing the behind the ear hearing aids. Hearing aids may be dropped off or mailed to the PCHC/Warren Center office at 175 Union Street, Bangor, Maine 04401. Cochlear Implant Mapping: Besides hosting the only such program in central, eastern or northern Maine, the PCHC/Warren Center also is the area's only cochlear implant programming/mapping facility and one of three in New England. The others are located in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. PCHC/Warren Center staff work closely with staff of all three implant teams. |
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