Grants for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals

General Support

Navigating life with hearing loss or deafness can pose unique challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing education, employment and daily living resources. Fortunately, various grants and assistance programs are specifically designed to support deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, helping them overcome financial and accessibility barriers. Below is a guide to some of the most helpful grants and programs available.

Education Grants for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals

Higher education is crucial for many deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals seeking career opportunities. There are several grants available to support students with hearing impairments.

Sertoma Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf

The Sertoma Scholarship provides financial assistance to students with significant hearing loss who are pursuing higher education. This scholarship is awarded to individuals who show academic promise and are dedicated to advancing their education.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a documented hearing loss of at least 40dB and be pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Use of Funds: Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books and other educational expenses.

For more details, visit https://www.sertoma.org/What-we-do/Scholarships.

AG Bell College Scholarship Program

The AG Bell College Scholarship is intended for deaf and hard-of-hearing students who use spoken language as their primary communication method. This scholarship helps cover educational expenses for students pursuing degrees at accredited institutions.

Who Qualifies: Applicants must have a bilateral hearing loss diagnosed before the age of four and use spoken communication in educational settings.
Funding Use: Scholarships can be used for tuition, books and living expenses.

Learn more at https://agbell.org/values/.

Louise Tumarkin Zazove Foundation (LTZF) Scholarship

The Louise Tumarkin Zazove Foundation offers scholarships for deaf and hard-of-hearing students pursuing undergraduate degrees. This foundation focuses on providing financial assistance to students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.

Eligibility: Applicants must have significant hearing loss and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university.
How It’s Used: Funds can be allocated to cover tuition, books and other school-related expenses.

To explore further, visit https://www.ltzfoundation.org/.

Technology and Equipment Grants for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Access to technology and assistive devices is essential for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Several programs offer grants to help cover the cost of hearing aids, assistive listening devices and other essential technology.

The HIKE Fund, Inc.

The HIKE Fund provides financial support to young individuals with hearing impairments by helping them access hearing devices and assistive technology. This fund is particularly focused on children and teenagers in need of these resources.

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be 20 years old or younger and demonstrate financial need.
Use of Funds: Grants cover the cost of hearing aids, FM systems and other assistive devices.

For further details, visit www.thehikefund.org.

Starkey Hearing Foundation’s Hear Now Program

The program by Starkey Hearing Foundation offers hearing aids to low-income individuals who cannot afford them. This program helps improve individuals’ quality of life by providing them with essential hearing assistance.

Who Can Apply: U.S. residents with financial need who do not qualify for other hearing aid assistance.
Use of Funds: The program provides hearing aids and fitting services.

Find more information at https://www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/about-us/.

Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (TEDP)

The Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (TEDP) is available in various states and provides assistive communication devices for those with hearing loss. TEDP offers resources such as amplified phones, captioned telephones and TTY devices.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a documented hearing loss and demonstrate a need for telecommunication assistance.
Grant Use: Provides amplified phones, TTY and other assistive communication devices.

To learn more, visit www.tedpa.org.

Employment and Vocational Training Grants for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals

Employment opportunities can be enhanced with the right training and support. Various grants offer vocational training and employment resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs

.These programs across the U.S. provide funding and support for job training, placement and other services to help deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals enter or re-enter the workforce.

Who Qualifies: Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals looking for employment training and support.
Funding Purpose: Covers job training, counseling, placement services and on-the-job support.

For more information, visit https://www.naric.com/?q=en/node/27.

Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) Vocational Training

The Helen Keller National Center offers specialized vocational training for deaf-blind individuals. While primarily targeted at those with both hearing and vision loss, HKNC also provides resources and training to deaf individuals to help them build their careers.

Eligibility: Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals with additional vision loss.
Use of Funds: Provides vocational training, counseling and job placement services.

For further details, visit www.helenkeller.org/hknc.

Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)

The Workforce Recruitment Program is a federal initiative that connects college students and recent graduates with disabilities, including hearing impairments, to federal and private sector employment opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria: Recent graduates and college students with disabilities.
Program Benefits: Provides access to job opportunities and internships in government and private sectors.

Learn more at https://www.wrp.gov/wrp.

Community and Support Services Grants for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

In addition to financial aid for education and employment, community-based support services can help improve the quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The AG Bell Association offers various support services, including scholarships, advocacy and educational resources for individuals with hearing loss and their families. The association’s grants are designed to support communication and auditory skills.

Eligibility: Individuals with hearing loss and their families.
Funding Use: Supports resources for auditory training, speech therapy and community support.

For additional information, visit https://agbell.org/join/.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) Programs

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services programs, available at state and local levels, provide support services to individuals with hearing impairments. These services can include job counseling, social support and funding for communication devices.

Who Qualifies: Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in participating states.
Grant Use: Covers assistive devices, counseling and community support services.

Check out more at https://www.nad.org/about-us/.

Hands & Voices Family Leadership in Language and Learning (FL3) Program

Hands & Voices offers the Family Leadership in Language and Learning (FL3) Program to provide guidance, mentorship and resources to families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. This program helps families navigate communication challenges and access educational resources.

Eligibility: Families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
Use of Funds: Resources, family mentorship and language learning support are provided.

For further information, visit www.handsandvoices.org.

Conclusion

Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have access to numerous grants designed to support education, employment and daily living needs. By utilizing these resources, they can improve their quality of life and overcome accessibility challenges. Additionally, exploring state-specific assistance programs can further ensure comprehensive support. Taking advantage of these programs can empower deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to pursue their goals with confidence.