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Union County offers Assistive Listening Headsets for hard of hearing residents

Union County, NJ- In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the recent purchase of an infrared assistive listening system. Located in the Freeholder meeting room, receivers have been installed to accommodate up to four people with hearing loss.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that certain kinds of public and private facilities that normally provide amplification systems for their audiences – including theaters, auditoriums, meeting and lecture rooms, concert and performance halls, and courtrooms – must have assistive listening systems installed for people who need them.

“In addition to complying with ADA regulations, we hope the installation of the hearing assistance system encourages attendance and participation from residents that may not have come out to meetings in the past,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “We want to afford every resident the opportunity to participate in open, transparent county government.”

With the addition of the assistive listening system, the Union County Administration Building is now fully accessible for people with disabilities. Other ADA accommodations include: clearly marked handicapped parking spaces, a barrier free route into the building, automatic doors, accessible elevators that feature Braille and audible announcement of floors, and accessible restrooms.

For individuals interested in utilizing the assistive listening system, simply notify the Office of the Clerk of the Board upon entering the Freeholder meeting room and proper accommodations will be made. Individuals may also notify the Clerk of the Board in advance by calling (908) 527-4140 or by emailing ndirado@ucnj.org.