Outreach
NVRC Outreach Services
Hearing Loss Screenings
VA TAP Program
Empowerment through education is a major part of NVRC’s mission. Our programs in the community bring information and resources to people with hearing loss, introducing them to a range of possible solutions to improve the quality of their lives. These programs include:
- “Honey,Turn Down the TV!” – A Consumer’s Holistic Guide to Living with Hearing Loss ( a two-part program)
- “Hearing Aids – Beware and Be Wise”
- “Stop Mumbling – I can’t Hear You!”
- “Help! Where Did my Hearing Go?”
- Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids and Hearing Assistive Technology
NVRC also offers educational programs in our large, all-access meeting room which is equipped with an audio loop. CART is also offered at our programs, as well as sign language interpreters. Recent program topics at NVRC include:
- Hearing Loss & Dementia
- Making Your Home Accessible and Safe
“Mis-Communication or Missed Communication? – The Challenges of Hearing Loss” awareness trainings are also given to agencies, organizations, and businesses. These trainings are designed primarily for the hearing community: employers, caregivers, planners, business leaders, emergency responders, and others about the impact of deafness and hearing loss on communication.
One-on-one hearing screenings and mentoring are also key elements of our outreach services. A screening helps determine if you could benefit from having a comprehensive hearing evaluation by an audiologist. This free service gives individuals an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns and get information specific to their needs. Screenings are offered in the community and at NVRC.
NVRC can also be found promoting all of its outreach and other services at health fairs, information expos, and local conventions.
Click below to find out what is happening in your area!
VA TAP Program
What is the Technology Assistance Program (TAP)?
Offered by the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) TAP provides telecommunication equipment to qualified applicants whose disabilities prevent them from using a standard telephone.
Who is eligible for TAP?
To qualify for the program, you must be deaf, hard of hearing, Deafblind, or speech disabled. You must also be a Virginia resident and meet income eligibility requirements that are based on household income and family size. While there are no age restrictions, all applications from minors must be co-signed by a parent or legal guardian.
How does the program work?
Equipment is provided to qualified individuals on a Loan-to-Own (L2O) basis. This gives qualified recipients up to 30 days to decide whether to keep, exchange, or return the equipment. If following the 30-day period, the recipient feels the device enables him or her to successfully communicate over the phone, he or she retains ownership of the device.
Assistive devices available through TAP L2O include:
- TTY’s (text telephones)
- Amplified telephones
- Voice Carry Over (VCO) phones
- CapTel® captioning telephones
- Outgoing speech amplifier phones
- Signalers for the phone and door
- Hearing Carry Over (HCO) phones
- Other devices available by special request
Virginia Veterans with a hearing or speech loss and have documentation of their Honorable Discharge (form DD-214) automatically qualify for TAP equipment at no cost.
Note: All devices through TAP carry a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, and training on use of the equipment is available. TAP participants can apply for new equipment every four years.
To receive more information contact Debbie Jones at:
Call or Email: Voice: 703-352-9055 • Videophone: 571-350-8656 Email: info@nvrc.org
Technology
Technology
Hearing Aids
How do you know if you might need a hearing aid? What should you look for when choosing a hearing aid? Should you work with an audiologist or a hearing aid specialist? What is a telecoil, and should you get one in your hearing aid? For information on these questions and more, click here.
Cochlear Implants
How does a Cochlear Implant work? Am I ready for a Cochlear Implant? How do I get a Cochlear Implant? Does insurance cover Cochlear Implants? For information on these questions, click here.
NVRC's Assistive Technology Demonstration Center
NVRC has an Assistive Technology Demonstration Center. We have devices on display that are designed to enhance the quality of life for persons with hearing loss. This gives you an opportunity for a hands-on experience with the equipment before you buy. Click here for more information.
Virginia Technology Assistance Program
The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) established the Technology Assistance Program (TAP) to provide assistance to Virginia residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or speech-impaired in getting the telephone equipment they need to stay or become more independent. Click Here or download PDF Fact Sheet for more information.
Relay Services
What is the Relay Service? How does it work? Who uses the Relay?
For answers to these questions and more, click here.
NVRC Fact Sheets
Check out our Fact Sheets on Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants, and more!