Compliance Analysis Overview

AI-powered document condensing that preserves all substantive requirements while removing redundancy

Total Documents

Original Word Count

725

Condensed Word Count

571

Average Reduction

21.2%

This enhanced analysis condenses guidance documents issued by Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to eliminate redundancy while preserving all substantive requirements and legal obligations.

Virginia Technology Assistance Program PolicyDoc ID: VDDHH-1

Original: 725 words

Condensed: 571 words

Reduction: 21.2%

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Technology Assistance Program Policy-December2022

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (804) 662-9502 (V)

ERIC RAFF (800) 552-7917 (V)

1602 ROLLING HILLS DRIVE, SUITE 203

DIRECTOR (804) 325-1290 (VP)

HENRICO, VIRGINIA 23229-5012 (804) 662-9718 (FAX) www.VDDHH.org POLICY STATEMENT Technology Assistance Program (TAP) Background: The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) offers

specialized telecommunication equipment and assistive technology devices to qualified applicants as a solution to their communication needs through the Technology Assistance Program (TAP). According to section 22VAC20-20-30-Eligibility Requirements for the Technology Assistance Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Virginia residents who participate in TAP must meet income eligibility requirements (for equipment at no cost) and fall into one of the following categories:

Deaf • Surviving spouse/child with a
Hard of Hearing hearing loss of a veteran killed in
Person with difficulty speaking active duty
Have both a hearing and vision loss • National guard member with a
Veteran with hearing loss and an hearing loss honorable discharge

Eligible applicants shall be granted program participation based on a first-come, first-served basis and the availability of program funds. As outlined in section 22VAC20-20-20-Ownership Guidelines of the TAP regulations, equipment will be assigned to qualified individuals for a 30-day trial period giving applicants up to 30 days to determine if the selected device meets their communication needs. During the 30-day period, if it is determined that the equipment does not meet the applicant’s communication needs, they have the option to return or exchange the equipment. At the end of the 30-day period, if the applicant feels that the equipment meets their

needs, they retain ownership of the equipment. The regulations also establish a four-year renewal period for TAP equipment distribution at which point TAP consumers can reapply for new TAP equipment.

The Technology Assistance Program provides assistance to all residents of Virginia by way of contracted Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialists. The state has been divided into 8 regions with each region having at least one D/HH Specialist (see map below).

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Technology Assistance Program Policy-December2022

Policy Statement: As stated in section 22VAC20-20-30 of the TAP regulations-Eligibility

requirements, upon request for assistive technology equipment by an applicant VDDHH will require information as to the nature of the applicant’s disability, family size, financial status and veteran status (if applicable).

Policy Details: Applicants eligible to participate in the program shall meet the following requirements:

Certification as deaf, hard of hearing, hearing-disabled/visually-disabled, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled by a licensed physician, audiologist, speech-language pathologist,

hearing aid specialist, vocational rehabilitation counselor employed by the Department of Rehabilitative Services or the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, a Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind representative, a VDDHH outreach specialist or other appropriate agency or government representative.

A completed and signed TAP application
Provision of one of the following, in the name of the applicant or the applicant’s spouse or legal guardian, as proof of residency in the Commonwealth of Virginia: o Current Lease or deed to domicile in Virginia;

o Current Virginia Driver’s License or Virginia-issued ID; o A utility bill, dated within twelve (12) months of the submission, for a residence in Virginia; or o Any other form of proof approved by the department.

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Technology Assistance Program Policy-December2022

Proof of correct and verifiable information on the family’s gross income. The department reserves the right to request verification of income from any program applicant before determining eligibility
Copies of Power of Attorney or Guardianship documents at the request of VDDHH when the application signature is not the recipient of the device(s).

TAP Procedures

Virginia resident submits TAP application and required documentation.
D/HH Specialist completes intake assessment and determines eligibility.
Once eligibility is determined, equipment is distributed to applicant on a 30-day trial basis.
After the 30-day trial, if the equipment meets the applicant’s need, they retain ownership. If the equipment does not meet the applicant’s needs, they are able to exchange or return their equipment. All accepted equipment will receive a one (1) year warranty provided by VDDHH.
After 4 years, a renewal application can be submitted by the applicant for new equipment.

Forms: 2022 TAP Application Packet

Consumer Intake Form Equipment Assignment Form

Reference: Technology Assistance Program Policy – December2022

Approved: Eric Raff, Director

Effective Date

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Technology Assistance Program Policy-December2022

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (804) 662-9502 (V)

ERIC RAFF (800) 552-7917 (V)

1602 ROLLING HILLS DRIVE, SUITE 203

DIRECTOR (804) 325-1290 (VP)

specialized telecommunication equipment and assistive technology devices to qualified applicants through TAP. Per section 22VAC20-20-30-, Virginia residents in TAP must meet income eligibility and fall into categories:

Deaf • Surviving spouse/child with a
Hard of Hearing hearing loss of a veteran killed in
Person with difficulty speaking active duty
Have both hearing and vision loss; National Guard member with
Veteran with hearing loss and an hearing loss honorable discharge

needs, they retain ownership of the equipment. The regulations establish a four-year renewal period for TAP equipment reapplication.

The TAP provides assistance statewide via contracted Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialists, with Virginia divided into 8 regions, each with at least one D/HH Specialist.

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Technology Assistance Program Policy-December2022

Policy Statement: As per 22VAC20-20-30 of TAP regulations-Eligibility

Upon assistive technology request, VDDHH requires info on disability, family size, financial, and veteran status (if applicable).

Policy Details: Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:

Certification as deaf, hard of hearing, hearing-disabled/visually-disabled, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled by a licensed physician, audiologist, speech-language pathologist,

hearing aid specialist, vocational rehab counselor from DRS or DBVI, Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind rep, VDDHH outreach specialist, or other agency representative.

A completed and signed TAP application
Provision of one of the following, in the name of the applicant or the applicant’s spouse or legal guardian, as proof of residency in the Commonwealth of Virginia: o Current Lease or deed to domicile in Virginia;

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Technology Assistance Program Policy-December2022

Proof of accurate, verifiable family gross income; the department may request verification before eligibility determination
Copies of Power of Attorney or Guardianship documents upon VDDHH request if the applicant is not the device recipient.

TAP Procedures

Virginia resident submits TAP application and required documentation.
D/HH Specialist completes intake assessment and determines eligibility.
After eligibility, equipment is distributed on a 30-day trial basis.
Post-trial, if equipment meets needs, ownership transfers; if not, exchange or return allowed. All accepted equipment has a one-year warranty from VDDHH.
After 4 years, applicants may submit a renewal application for new equipment.

Forms: 2022 TAP Application Packet

Consumer Intake Form Equipment Assignment Form

Reference: Technology Assistance Program Policy – December2022

Approved: Eric Raff, Director

Effective Date

Executive Summary

The enhanced compliance analysis of Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing guidance documents has achieved an overall reduction of 21.2% across 1 documents.