The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), through its Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH), is offering grant funding to New Jersey counties aimed at promoting communication and language access services for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind residents. The initiative is grounded in the principles of the Inclusive Healthy Communities (IHC) Program and is designed to reduce health disparities for residents with disabilities by supporting local government efforts to improve communication accessibility.
Counties applying for this funding are encouraged to implement initiatives such as installing hearing induction loops, videophones with internet connectivity, expanding access to sign language interpreter and captioning services, and creating or enhancing community, educational, or healthcare-related programs accessible in American Sign Language (ASL). These initiatives should support residents of all ages and can include installations and services in public libraries, community centers, jails, courthouses, nonprofit organizations, and other public service venues.
A total of $250,000 is available through this funding opportunity, with a maximum award of $70,000 per county. The final award amounts will be determined by DHS based on each proposal's scope and alignment with the program’s objectives. All costs must be incurred by June 30, 2026. Counties must demonstrate how the funding will support improvements in health or social determinants of health for the target population. The program prioritizes innovative, potentially self-sustaining models and proposals that address hardships in meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) communication requirements.
Only New Jersey county government agencies may apply. Applicants must engage relevant local entities to determine specific needs and implementation plans. Awardees are required to submit quarterly progress reports, undergo sensitivity training, publicly recognize the funding, and adhere to promotional requirements, including use of the DDHH logo and approved vendors from the DDHH directory.
Letters of Interest (LOIs) are due by 5:00 PM ET on May 30, 2025. LOIs must be limited to five pages, formatted according to specific guidelines, and must include a project description, implementation timeline, and estimated budget. Submissions must be on official county or county agency letterhead and emailed as a single PDF to Melissa.Spirito@dhs.nj.gov. Award announcements will be made on June 6, 2025.
