The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) established the Technology Assistance Program (TAP) to provide assistance to Virginia residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or speech-impaired in getting the telephone equipment they need to stay or become more independent. The TAP program has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of consumers and fit within the Commonwealth’s budget. Its current incarnation is the Loan to Own (L2O) program.

Loan to Own Program (L2O)

For example, let’s say that your hearing loss is making it difficult for you to understand speech on a regular telephone. If you can provide proof of Virginia residency, documentation of your hearing loss (usually an audiogram), and if your monthly income meets the L2O guidelines, you could borrow an amplified phone for up to 30 days to see if it works for you. If you are satisfied with the phone after 30 days, it becomes yours.

Devices available through L2O include:

• Amplified Telephones
• Captioned Telephones
• Voice Carry Over (VCO) Phones
• Hearing Carry Over (HCO) phones
• Text Telephones (TTYs)
• Visual Signalers
• Audible Signalers

If you are not eligible for the L2O program, you may still be able to get equipment through this program at cost.  Applications may be obtained at NVRC. 

NVRC is a demonstration and loan site serving the Northern Virginia area for VDDHH.  Debbie Jones, our Resource and Technology Specialist, can help you choose the right device for your hearing/listening needs, explain the process to you and assist you in filling out the application.

For more information about this program or to set up an appointment to determine your eligibility, contact NVRC.

Visit NVRC’s Assistive Devices Demonstration Center so see and try this equipment.