The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the installation of Hearing Loop systems in several courtroom locations, enhancing accessibility for residents who are deaf or hard of hearing. The installation was made possible through a grant awarded by the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH).
This initiative comes at a meaningful time, as July marks Disability Pride Month, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and celebrating the rights, visibility, and contributions of individuals with disabilities.
“As a County, we are committed to creating inclusive spaces that meet the needs of every resident,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “The installation of these Hearing Loops is a powerful step toward ensuring that all individuals—regardless of hearing ability—can access our justice system with independence. We are grateful to DDHH for their support in helping us deliver this critical upgrade.”
This new technology allows individuals with telecoil (T-coil)-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants to receive sound directly from the court’s audio system, reducing background noise and significantly improving sound clarity. The project is part of Union County’s broader efforts to improve communication access and equity throughout public service facilities.
The $70,000 grant from DDHH funded the purchase and installation of hearing induction. Signage will be posted at all locations where the system is in place, and additional training is being provided to staff to improve service delivery to residents with hearing loss.
For more information about Union County’s accessibility efforts, visit www.ucnj.org. To learn more about Hearing Loops and other services offered by the NJ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, visit www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddhh.