Morris County enhances accessibility with new hearing technology for residents with hearing loss
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — In observance of National Audiology Awareness Month this October, the Morris County Department of Human Services and its Office of Temporary Assistance (OTA) have unveiled new technology upgrades aimed at improving communication for residents with hearing loss across county facilities.
The county has installed new hearing loop systems in several public locations, including the OTA office in Morris Township, the Human Services conference room in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, and the Morris County Library meeting room in Hanover Township. In addition, Human Services has obtained portable assistive listening devices for staff conducting community outreach and fieldwork, expanding access during off-site meetings and home visits.
“These new hearing loop systems are the latest effort by Morris County to continue improving access for all residents to our many public services and extensive facilities. People with hearing loss may better interact with our Human Services staff, as well as enjoy the wealth of activities that have established our Morris County Library as a premier resource,” said Commissioner Christine Myers, liaison to the Department of Human Services.
Hearing loop systems transmit sound directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants equipped with telecoils, improving clarity and reducing background noise during meetings and public interactions. The upgrades were made possible through funding from a New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Open Communications Grant.
“With this grant we’re taking meaningful steps to ensure that individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or deaf-blind can fully participate in public life and access the support they need,” said Kasey Errico, director of the Morris County Human Services Department.
The enhancements are part of Morris County’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and support residents with disabilities.
Last week, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners recognized October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and last year the board celebrated the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reaffirming its commitment to promoting accessibility in all county operations.
For more information about services offered by the Morris County Department of Human Services, visit morriscountynj.gov/Departments/Human-Services.
