Hard-of-hearing people regularly feel isolated from community and family life. Hearing aids help, but they are often more trouble than they are worth--especially at public events where background noise can be overwhelming and amplifiers may trigger excruciating feedback. Now, through, the Hearing Loss Association of Ann Arbor is implementing asimple, inexpensive fix called "looping". Volunteers run a wire around a room, perhaps in a dropped ceiling or under a carpet, and attach the two ends to an amplifier. Thereafter, whenever the PA system is used, people with hearing aids or cochlear implants can switch to
"I-coil mode" and tune in to what amounts to a private broadcast. In a looped room, they may even be able to follow the proceedings better than those with normal hearing.
In Europe, airports, banks, and even cathedrals are all looped. Though looping costs just $300 to $400, even many hard-of-hearing people don't know about it. To date, the HLA of Ann Arbor has wired just four sites, including conference rooms at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living and the Turner Senior Resource Center and the sanctuary of St.Barnabas Episcopal Church in Chelsea....the church already is attracting worshippers from as far away as Detroit.
Southpoint Community Christian Church
5450 Fort Street, Trenton MI 48183 (across from Southshore Hospital) provides looping AND an interpreter at the 11:15 a.m. Sunday Services.
Website: www.southpointccc.org
If you know of other churches that ALSO have the above service for deaf people, please email me and let me know so I can share this information with those that need it! AddToJuliesList@yahoo.com
HOSPITAL SERVICES FOR THE DEAF
University of Michigan Health System
The U of M's Health system is making strides for the deaf community as one of a nearly a dozen hospitals nationwide--the first in Michigan-- to provide Sorenson videophones for its deaf patients and visitors. The hospital's mobile videophones can be used in patient's rooms or in the emergency dept. The videophones consist of a remote to type in phone numbers and a Web camera-like device that's placed atop a television or computer. It connects deaf patients and visitors to a nationwide network of American sign language interpreters who facilitate conversations for them with hearing individuals. The videophones can also be used to call another deaf person.
HELPFUL WEBSITES:
Emotional Disorders: Michigan Association for Deaf, Hearing
Phone: 800-968-7327
Website: http://www.madhs.org
National Association of the Deaf
Website: www.nad.org
FOR MANY MORE RESOURCES, LOOK UNDER THESE WEBPAGES:
"Education/Employment Resources"
"Free Medical Tests, Services, and Treatments"
"Disabled Resources"
HEARING TESTING AVAILABLE FREE ON THE PHONE
Dial-A-Hearing Screening test allows area residents to check their hearing levels from home.Those interested may call 800-222-EARS between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Participants should call from a corded phone and from a quiet room. Pencil and paper are needed. Those who don't hear all the tones will be advised to seek additional testing.
Hearing Screening
Website: www.waynecounty.com
Hearing screenings are offered to children ages 3-18 years. Screenings are offered in schools, preschools, nurseries, day care centers and Head Start facilities. Early identification of hearing problems helps limit the negative impact on a child's education.
Deaf Options
220 Bagley Suite 600
Detroit MI 48226
313-961-8120 voice
313-961-8118 TTY
313-961-9168 fax
E-Mail:deafoptions@msn.com
Interpreter services
Deaf & Hearing and Impaired Services
25882 Orchard Lake Road Suite 100
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Voice: 248-473-1888
TTY: 248-473-1875
Website: www.dhisonline.com
This service provides information on hearing loss, coping tips, speech reading lessons, sign language interpreting and classes for people experiencing any level of hearing loss. Bi-monthly newsletters, community education, information & referral regarding assistive devices for the deaf and for the hard-of-hearing, supportgroups and counseling, hearing screening, and ontological evaluations.
Serves ages 60 and over.
Michigan Relay Center
Dial 7-1-1 OR 800-649-3777 (Voice or TTY/TDD)
Website: www.michiganrelay.com
The Michigan Relay Center enables people who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and/or speech-impaired to communicate with others. A relay representative will assist callers.
Provides life-enhancing programs for the deaf and hard-in-hearing. Houses St. John's Audiology Department. Services include speech therapy.
Michigan Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
2929 Covington Court Suite 200
Lansing MI 48912-4939
Phone: 517-487-0202
Email: info@madhh.org
Website: www.madhh.org
Statewide collaborative agency dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired through leadership in advocacy, education, and services. Services include an assistive equipment distribution program (TTY/TDD units and hearing aids) for qualifying persons and a loan program of assistive devices. Reconditioned equipment may beavailable at a low-cost yearly cost to qualified individuals as well as a low-cost repair service.
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Website: www.rid.org
Communication Access Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
1631 Miller Road
Flint MI 48503
Phone: 810-239-3112 V/TTY
800-466-7744 V/TTY
Website: www.cacdhh.org
Michigan Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
Madonna is the only Michigan college that offers a Bachelor's degree in sign language!
Deaf Community Advocacy Network DEAF AIDS PROJECT
2111 Orchard Lake Rd. Suite 101
Sylvan Lake, MI 48320
Phone: 248-332-3331 TTY: 249-332-3323
Website: www.deafcan.org
Serves Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals with HIV/AIDS, their family members, and caregivers
in S.E. Mi. Provides case management, emotional and communication support, advocacy,
Sign Language Interpreting services, information and referral, education in prevention and living
with HIV, and HIV test counseling.
Special Equipment Center
The Special Needs Center, operated by Hitec International, offers 4 models of teletypewriters (TTY's) to SBC customers in Michigan at cost. Customers also may opt to have the purchase price spread out over 24 months and billed on their SBC telephone bill at no extra charge.
Information: 800-433-8505
Website: www.att.com
Hear Now
Starkey Hearing Foundation
6700 Washington Ave. S. Recycles Hearing Aids!
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: 800-648-4327 Monday thru Friday 9-12 noon and 1-4 p.m.
Email: nonprofit@starkey.com
Website: www.sotheworldmayhear.org
Gives hearing aids to low-income adults and children who have documented hearing loss and who meet financial criteria. More than 78,000 hearing aids have been given out throughout the world.
HEARING HELP FOR MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS
TRICARE covers hearing aids and services for active-duty family members diagnosed with "profound" hearing loss. Only active-duty family members who meet specific hearing-loss criteria are eligible for this benefit. To view their fact sheet on the hearing aid program, visit
Offers technical products and rehabilitative equipment, also hearing aids
Twilight Wish Foundation
PO Box 1042
Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: 877-893-9474
Website: www.twilightwishfoundation.org
In cooperation with 2 locations here in S.E. Michigan of Zounds, provides hearing aids for seniors who are age 68 or older, U.S. citizens or a permanent resident of an elder-care facility, and with an income of less than around $19,000 and with assets of less than $100,000. Recipients must also have a "documented history of contributing positively to the welfare of others over their lifetime".
The Lions Hearing Aid Assistance Program
Phone: 1-888-LHCMICH
Website: www.lionsclub.org
There is a one-page application for assistance provided by the local Lions Club in your area. If an individual
qualifies, their hearing aids are at no charge. There is a 3 to 6 month wait for the answer to your application as it is a first-come, first-served program.
SUPPORT GROUPS
The Western Wayne County Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Michiganmeets on the 1St Saturday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Senate Restaurant, 3345 Greenfield, in Dearborn Contact Donna Poisson at 1-313-220-8140 to learn more about this organization and its activities.
The V.I.P.'S--Visually Impaired Persons Support Group in Westland meets for lunch once a week throughout most of the year. For full details on all their activities and how you can join in the fun, contact Elizabeth Bury at 734-522-4293.
Vision Impaired Group Low-Vision Support Group
Meets 10 a.m. the first Thursday of the month at: Chelsea MI
The Monroe Center Phone: 734-475-3913
15275 S. Dixie Hwy.
Monroe Mi 48161
Phone: 734-241-0404
Downriver Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Inc.
Meets from noon to 2 p.m. every second Thursday of the month at:
Knights of Columbus
Robert Jones Council No. 3078
25160 W. Outer Drive
Lincoln Park, MI
Phone: Mary Eileen Hogan at 313-382-7974
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
The Michigan Steelwork Loan Fund offers low-interest loans available to people with disabilities who want computer equipment in order to work from home.
Website: Michigan.org
The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund allows people with disabilities and Seniors (or their family members) to purchase assistive technology devices or services, including modification of vehicles and homes. Loans may also cover cost of training to use the purchased equipment, warranties, and service agreements.
Website: MichiganFunds.org
Assistive Technology is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or device that enables an individual with a disability to improve individual independence and quality of life.
VARIOUS TYPES OF HELP FOR THOSE WITH LOW VISION
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) launched a new, totally accessible, multimedia website that offers instructional videos and easy-to-implement tips to help this country's growing low-vision population maintain independence.www.afb.org/seniorsite (see above!)
Detroit Radio Information Service (WDET-FM)
4600 Cass Avenue
Detroit MI 48201
Phone: 313-577-4207
Email: dris@wayne.edu
Website: www.dris.org
Uses 150 volunteer readers to offer verbatim reading of 100 newspapers and magazines a week, plus shopping and resource guides for blind and reading-disabled residents (this also includes those unable to hold printed material). Radio receivers are loaned free of charge to qualified applicants.
Michigan Commission for the Blind
Cadillac Place
3038 W. Grand Blvd., Suite 4-450
Detroit MI 48202-2038
Phone: 313-456-1646
Central Office--Lansing
Phone: 800-292-4200 TTY: 888-864-1212
Website: www.michigan.gov/mcb
The Michigan Commission for the Blind refers to its Senior Blind Program as the Independent Living Program. The Independent Living (IL) Program is a federal-state partnership providing services to older blind individuals so they can be as independent in their daily lives as possible. Older blind individual means a person 55 years or older whose severe visual impairment makes competitive employment extremely difficult to attain but for whom goals related to more independent living are feasible.
Services include:
Information and referral
Rehabilitation teaching services
Orientation and mobility
Low-vision services
Adapted aids and appliances
Daily Living Skills
Leisure activities
Counseling
Braille and other communication methods
Peer support groups
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) will provide a free white cane to anyone who uses or desires to use a long, white cane to help them navigate their environment with confidence and safety. For full details, visit www.nfb.org.
The "Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind" is free to anyone who is legally blind. It is available on cassette, in Braille, online or via e-mail. It reprints a wide range of articles from newspapers and magazines. Call 212-242-0263 OR go to www.matildaziegler.org.
The Motor City League of Blind Bowlers is looking for a few good men and women to bowl on Saturdays
at 1 p.m. at the Renaissance Bowling Center, 19600 Woodward in Detroit. Call Ollie at 313-794-1040 for more information.
The Texas Center for the Physically Impaired offers FREE computers to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The only charge is $100 to cover packing, shipping, and replacement parts. The package includes a monitor, keyboard, CD-ROM, modem and speakers. Also included are a word processing program, an email program and demo versions of two Adaptive Technology programs, Window-Eyes and Zoomtex. The applicant must be willing to listen to several audiocassettes that teach
basic computer use. For more info call 214-340-6328.
Low Vision
904 W. Chicago Blvd. Suite A
Tecumseh MI 49286
Phone: 517-423-7042
Email: edieholmes@lni.net
A free, nonprofit service providing information for vision-impaired people seeking ways to maintain their independence. Over 50 catalogs and 30 services.
AND
Low Vision Loan Closet
Donated items for the visually impaired--magnifiers, ccTV, talking watches, etc.--are loaned free of charge
to those who need it.
RESOURCES FOR BLIND CHILDREN
PARENTS OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN
Phone: 313-272-3900
Camp Tuhsmeheta
413 W. Maple Street
Lansing MI 48906-5034
Located 7 miles west of Greenville MI.
Website: www.ncpad.org
A camp for blind and low-vision children
Seedlings
PO Box 51924
Livonia MI 48151-5924
Phone: 800-777-8552
Email: info@seedlings.org
Website: www.seedlings.org
A wonderful resource for blind children including summer reading programs and holiday gifts. Many added resources listed also!
MISC. RESOURCES
IN-HOME VISION CARE
Eye Travel
Phone: 248-376-6046
Website: www.eyetravel.us
This is not a free service but should be covered by any insurance you have, if you are disabled or not
well enough to leave the home.
LIBRARY RESOURCES FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES
Wayne County Regional Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
30555 Michigan Avenue
Westland MI 48186-5310
Phone: 734-727-7300 OR 888-968-2737
Website: www.wayneregionallib.mmi.us
This library serves about 4,000 registered patrons and is one of the original 14 regional libraries created by the Library of Congress in 1931 to serve people with visual and other physical disabilities. Free use of specialized library services to Wayne County residents who are unable to read conventional printed material because of physical limitation. Partial list of services include Talking Books, large print books, and descriptive videos. Materials are mailed at no charge. It is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Detroit Subregional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
3666 Grand River
Detroit MI
Phone: 313-833-5494
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
The Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542
Website: www.loc.gov/nls
Jewish Braille Institute
110 E. 30th Street
New York NY 10016
Phone: 212-859-2525
Website: www.jbilibrary.org
Offers reading materials primarily for the Jewish community
The Lions Club helps the community by paying for eye exams, buying eyeglasses and hearing aids, cataract services & surgery, etc/ The Dept. ofOtolaryngology at the Wayne State University School of Medicine works with the Lions Hearing Center of S.E. Michigan to help defray the costs of hearing aids. For info, call the hearing center at 313-745-4664 or go to www.lhcmi.org.
For information on the Lions Club in YOUR town, visit their website at www.LionsClubs.org
OR email CFSII@lionsclubs.org to find the local contact person.
Give The Gift of Sight (www.givethegiftofsight.org)
In 1988, the Lions Clubs International and LensCrafters Foundation teamed up to collect used eyeglasses and since then, Give the Gift of Sight has expanded into a family of vision programs that provides free eye care and glasses to those in need in our communities across the United States and Canada. Gift of Sight programs include eyeglass collection and recycling, Hometown Day, Sight Night, international missions to developing countries, Vision Vans and special price vouchers.
EYE CARE AMERICA'S SENIORS EYECARE PROGRAM
Phone: 800-222-EYES (3937)
Website: www.eyecareamerica.org
This program is designed for those who:
1. are 65 and older, and are US citizens or legal residents
2. have not seen an ophthalmologist in 3+ years
3. do not belong to an HMO or the VA
Services Offered:
A public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AA0). Provides comprehensive eye exams and care for up to one year, often at no out-of-pocket expense to eligible callers through its Seniors and Diabetes EyeCare Programs. It's Glaucoma EyeCare Program provides a glaucoma eye exam. Open to Seniors 65 and older, U.S. Citizens, and must have not had an ophthalmologic (NOT optometrist) exam in the past 3 years and must have no HMO or Veterans Assistance.
Optometric Institute and Clinic of Detroit
Cadillac Place in the New Center Area
3044 W. Grand Blvd. Suite 1-253
Detroit MI 48202
Phone: 313-872-2060
Email: OICMD@OICMD.ORG
Website: http://optometricinstitute.org
A non-profit United Way for Southeastern Michigan agency. Sliding scale available for vision services.
BETTER LIVING EYE CARE PROGRAM
Programs for Children:
Special program (Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County Health Departments) for children who have failed their vision screening at a 50% fee reduction. NO CHARGE (for exam and glasses) IF FUNDING IS AVAILABLE! Also, eye coordination problems for children (crossed eyes or an eye that turns out) using office/home therapy. Amblyopia (lazy eye) therapy for children.
UNCLE SAM PROGRAM
The "UNCLE SAM PROGRAM" will cover a percentage (up to 100%) of the cost for eye examination and ophthalmic materials, based on individual cases, for military veterans. No referral is necessary by those requiring care. Only proof of military service is required for service.
MACOMB, METRO DETROIT & DETROIT, LENAWEE, MONROE, WASHTENAW COUNTIES
If you have diabetes, MEDICARE will help pay for eye exams! Diabetic eye disease can affect anyone with diabetes, it often has no symptoms or pain and if undetected, can cause severe vision loss or blindness. Visit www.medicare.gov OR 1-800-MEDICARE.
AND
If you are a person with diabetes, who has a family history of glaucoma, an African-American age 50 or older or a Hispanic age 65 or older.......Medicare will cover an eye exam to detect glaucoma once every 12 months. Patients must pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible. Glaucoma often has no warning signs and if untreated, it can lead to vision loss.
Call 1-800-MEDICARE OR visit www.medicare.gov
NEW EYES FOR THE NEEDY
549 Millburn Avenue PO Box 332
Short Hills, NJ 07078-0332
Phone: 973-376-4903
Email: neweyesfortheneedy@verizon.net
Website: www.neweyesfortheneedy.org
If your family is below federal poverty guidelines (about $1,612 a month for a family of four), you may be eligible to receive a voucher from this organization for a free pair of basic eyeglasses or bifocals. You must have a prescription for glasses to participate as it does not cover eye exams. Must submit an application form downloaded from website. One of the many providers for this program is Walmart.
WAYNE COUNTY HEALTH DEPT.
Phone:
Website: www.waynecounty.com
Vision testing for ages 3-18 years.
H.E.L.P. (Health Emergency Lifeline Program)
1726 Howard Street
Detroit MI 48216
Phone: 313-832-3300
Email: help@helpoffice.org
Website: www.helpoffice.org
Must meet medical criteria of being HIV + or having AIDS.
VISION USA
243 North Lingbergh Blvd. (no longer requires one member of household to be working)
St. Louis MO 63141
Phone: 800-766-4466
Email: visionusa@aoa.org
Website: www.aoa.org/visionusa
Coordinated by the American Optometric Association (AOA), provides free eye care to uninsured, low-income workers and their families. There must be no insurance and no eye exam for the past 2 years. Also provides the INFANT SEE Program which gives a free eye exam for babies under 1 year.
SIGHT FOR STUDENTS
PO Box 997105
Sacramento CA
Phone: 800-877-7195
Email: webmaster@vsp.com Also check with your student's school nurse!
Website: www.sightforstudents.org
Offers gift certificates for children 18 years and younger who have not graduated from H.S./have not used
the program in the past 12 months/a legal immigrant or U.S. Citizen, must have Social Security number/and family income no more than 200% of federal poverty level (generally this applies to students who qualify
for the free and reduced lunch program) & not enrolled in Medicaid and does not currently have vision insurance.
INFANT SEE
Phone: 888-396-3937
Website: www.infantsee.org
A public health program designed to ensure early detection of eye conditions in babies. Member optometrists provide a free comprehensive infant eye assessment to children younger than one year.
MERCY PLACE
St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Staff is bi-lingual (Spanish)
55 Clinton Street
Pontiac, MI 48342
Phone: 248-333-0840
Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment only
Provides an eyeglass program at low or no-cost to those who are Oakland County residents and are uninsured, qualified individuals with reportable income.
Joy-Southfield Health & Education Center
18917 Joy
Detroit MI 48228
Phone:
Email: joysouthfield@aol.com
Website: www.fcglr.org
Eye exams
Kiwanis Club of Woodhaven
22019 Crestwood
Woodhaven MI 48183-5227 Serving Brownstown, Gibraltar and Woodhaven
Phone: 734-771-0552
Email: woodhavenkiwanis@gmail.com
Provides eyeglasses to needy children of the above 3 cities.
Michigan Commission for the Blind's Youth Low-Vision Program
Services are available from birth to 26 years, as long as the child is enrolled in the local school district. The program assists students with low-vision exams when not covered by insurance...it also assists with the purchase of low-vision devices worn on the head, such as telescopic and microscopic glasses, complex contact lenses, light-filtering eyewear, prescription sports goggles, bifocals, and prismatic lenses not covered by insurance that will enhance the student's ability to read textbooks, see the board in the classroom, and generally improve the child's ability to participate in home, school and recreational activities. Youth Low-Vision services are available every other school year, as long as needed, up to age 26 (age at the start of the school year). Referrals are made to the MCB by the Teacher Consultant for the Visually Impaired at your intermediate school district (ISD).
NATIONAL KERATOCONUS ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION
Los Angeles, CA
Email: www.nkcaf@hotmail.com
Provides financial support to patients who need surgical and optometric treatment for keratoconus and other corneal problems. Offers financial assistance for eye exams and the frequent contact lenses needed. Also provides information and support.
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR EYE FOUNDATION
1000 East State Parkway Suite 1
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: 847-490-3838 OR 800-222-EYES
Email: ktefofc@ix.netcom.com
Website: www.nkcaf.org
Provides financial support for eye surgery for people who are unable to pay or receive adequate assistance from current government agencies or similar sources. Phone for EMERGENCY servicesonly. Must be a U.S. Citizen.
NEW!
This organization has a new program for Seniors age 65 and older who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years may be eligible for a referral to a volunteer doctor by calling the help line at 800-222-EYES. The year-round program matches callers with a doctor in their area that will provide a comprehensive medical eye examination and up to one year of care for any disease diagnosed during the initial visit. Participating doctors have agreed to accept Medicare or other insurance as payment in full. Seniors without insurance can receive care at no cost.
MISSION CATERACT FOUNDATION
Phone: 1-800-343-7265
Website: www.mission.org
Offers free surgery once a year for qualified individuals....dates vary by practice so call ahead to find the particular offices date.
Vision Institute of Michigan
44650 Deco Blvd. Sterling Heights, MI 48313 Phone: 810-254-1770
AND
Garrett Eye Center
1301 Carpenter Ave. Iron Mountain, MI 49801 Phone: 906-774-1404
AND
Cedar Run Eye Center
3830 West Front Street Traverse City MI Phone: 231-929-3888
AND
The Surgery Center
5080 North Royal Drive Traverse City MI 49684 Phone: 213-929-2500
National Eye Care Project/ Seniors Eye Care
Phone: 800-222-3937
Website: www.eyecareamerica.org
Seniors age 65 and over who have not seen an ophthalmologist in 3 years and do not have insurance.
Provides eye exam and treatment.
GREATER DETROIT AGENCY for the BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED
16625 Grand River
Detroit MI 48227
Phone: 313-272-3900
Website: www.davit.org
Provision of specialized vision service for visually impaired persons including help in learning to function independently. Formerly Upshaw Institute for the Blind.
