If you are not currently employed, but quit because of hearing loss or feel that your prior job can't be done with your hearing loss. Then put this in writing. Make it specific. "I can't hear the children and answer their questions." "I can't get training for advancement because there is not captioning or an ALD". Explain exactly why hearing is needed. You may be unaware of a solution that has been found, or it may be a justification for additional education classes so you can do an allied job. After they have accepted you for service it is the Rehab Counselors job to be your advocate and to help you find the answers and methods to maximize your potential.
#4 Voc Rehab Wish List.
Many folks go to Voc Rehab long before they've found out about all the things that CAN help them stay active in the world. Before you have that first appointment, educate yourself a bit and know what some of the things that you might be seeking are called. Go to the internet and get a free Harris catelog. (There is a great probability that your counselor doesn't know about some of the equipment Then you are ready to put together a wish list IN WRITING with everything on it that Rehab can do to make your life better. (They probably won't do everything... but you need to ask! )
You might ask for:
1) Medical evaluation - to get the wax out of the ears and make sure it isn't a correctable problem. It also confirms prior physician's findings. Not all folks go to the doctor first.
2) Audiological evaluation - to determine the level of hearing loss and what hearing aid/equipment might improve reception.
3) A Cochlear Implant evaluation - if there is major hearing loss, to determine if this might be an option. (The audiologist measures the hearing loss, but can not assess if it is medically possible to implant. There is no pain invovled in the assessment.)
4) Hearing Equipment demonstration and evaluation - to learn what might be a help.
5) Psychological counseling - to reduce the hearing loss stress and frustrations and help in maintaining relationships with family and the boss!
6) Vocational/Aptitude testing - to assess job transferable skills for finding an appropriate job.
7) Purchase of equipment - NOT JUST FOR WORK - but in living!
a) Hearing Aid with a telecoil (T switch) and connecting cords and boots.
b) Cochlear Implant - with cords.
c) Assistive Listen Device - with head set/loop/patch cords - channeling plugs for public venues.
d) Lighting/Sound Command Centers (for the home)
e) Phone flashers (one for each room in the home)
f) Door flashers (buttons for both doors at home and one portable for the road)
g) Alarm clock (with vibrator)
h) Alpha pager or wrist watch with vibrating alarm and pager
i) Portable TTY or Voice over Relay adaptor
j) Windtel portable for outside sales/traveling jobs.
k) TV captioning decoder (if old family TV doesn't decode)
l) TTY phone or amplifier phones with special handsets
m) FAX/phone computer hookup if needed.
n) Computer use classes to increase employability and skills in communication.
o) Financial help: e.g. money for bus tokens to get to training or appointments
p) A hearing dog.
q) ASL signing classes to broaden communications with others.
r) Classes for writing resumes and practice in interviewing.
There are probably many more things that would be a help that I'm forgetting or that have been invented while I was typing this! When in doubt, put it on the list and put the rationale for listing it there. You'll never get anything you don't ask for! Good luck.. spread the word. There is NO reason folks should go without what they need. Your taxes pay for this program.. so use them! Stand up for your rights! Who is a better investment than YOU?
(end of AnnieDeaf's article)
Gallaudet University's Info to Go maintains an up-to-date listing of State Agencies and Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
