Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have a question regarding services offered by the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, or questions relating to deafness or hearing loss that is not listed below please fill out the on-line submit form.
- Frequently Asked Questions On-Line Submit Form
- Questions Relating to Sign Language Interpreters/Interpreting Services
- Questions That Have Already Been Submitted
Questions That Have Already Been Submitted
Cochlear Implants
- What is a cochlear implant?
- Who makes cochlear implants?
- How do I know if I qualify for a cochlear implant?
Hearing Aids
Assistive Listening Equipment
- Where can I get my TTY/Amplified phone repaired?
- If I cannot afford to buy my own TTY or phone amplifier where can I get financial assistance?
- Where can I get a TTY or amplified phone while my equipment is being repaired?
- What is a Pocketalker?
- Suppose I would like to test a Pocketalker, where can I get one to loan?
Communication with Doctors
- I have difficulties communicating with my doctor and need a sign language interpreter, what do I do?
- What do I do if the Doctor’s office refuses to hire an interpreter?
- I am going to have surgery, what do I need to do to ensure effective communication at the hospital?
- My doctor has diagnosed me with a hearing loss. What services are available for hard of hearing people?
Communication with Police
Basics of Deaf Culture and Hearing Loss
- How many deaf people live in Nebraska?
- What language do deaf adults and children use to communicate?
- What is ASL?
- What is the history of ASL?
- What is SEE?
- What is Pidgin?
- What is Gestuno?
Service Related Questions
- What is a Relay System?
- What is the Nebraska Equipment Distribution Program?
- I am a hearing person and need to talk with someone who is deaf by telephone, how do I do that?
- How does the Nebraska Relay System work when a deaf person calls a hearing person?
- I've heard about a Video Relay Service. What is it and how does it work?
- What is CART?
- What is a TTY?
Issues for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Individuals
- I am a deaf/hearing client and would like to comment about a specific interpreter is there a form. Can I do that?
- I live in rural Nebraska. Whom do I contact for deaf or hard of hearing assistance in my area?
- An interpreter didn't show up at my appointment. I confirmed the appointment well in advance. What are my options?
- Can NCDHH keep a record, as a deaf person, of my preferred interpreters?
- I will be attending a workshop and prefer to utilize CART. What should I do?
Business Related Deaf/Hearing Loss Issue
- Does Nebraska require Interpreters to be licensed? If so, how does one obtain a license?
- Does the Commission ever ask Agency/Businesses to complete Evaluation Forms?
- We would like to have a sign language class taught to employees of our small business/agency. Who do I contact?
- We would like to have someone come teach a basic sign language course to our State of Nebraska agency (or commission), for communication purposes. Can NCDHH help?
- I work at a hotel. How do we accommodate our deaf and hard of hearing guests?
What is a cochlear implant?
Answer -- A cochlear implant is an electronic device (called an electrode array) that is surgically implanted into the cochlea in the inner ear. These electrodes stimulate the auditory nerve. The cochlear device contains four elements: the microphone, which picks up sound; signal processor which processing sound into impulses; transmission systems that transmit impulses to the electrode array which sends the impulses to the brain. The microphone and signal processor are worn on the outside of the head (usually behind the ear). For further information see outside links under "C".
Who makes cochlear implants?
Answer -- There are several manufacturers of cochlear implants. AdvancedBionics, AllHear Inc., Clarion Cochlear, Cochlear Corp., and Med El. Clarion and Cochlear Corp are the most commonly used devices in the United States. For further information about manufacturers see www.healthyhearing.com.
How do I know if I qualify for a cochlear implant?
Answer -- Usually the best candidate for a cochlear implant has a hearing loss greater than 90dB and has some sentence recognition although children are good candidates. To determine if you are a candidate for a cochlear implant, contact a Physician who specializes in Cochlear Implants.
Where can I receive financial assistance for a hearing aid?
Answer -- Medicaid will cover the cost of a new hearing aid. If you do not receive Medicaid, the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) can assist you through their Hearing Aid Bank Program. The Sertoma Hearing Aid Bank assist people that are 65 and over, and the Lions Hearing Aid Bank assists those under the age of 65. The hearing aids are used/reconditioned and an application process is required to determine eligibility.
Where can I get my TTY/Amplified phone repaired?
Answer -- Unfortunately, there are no repair agents in Nebraska. If Ultratec manufactures your TTY, you may send it to Ultratec, 5901 Research Park Blvd., Madison, WI 53719. It is best to send your Amplified phone to the manufacturer. Most equipment has a one-year warranty. If you do not know the address of the manufacturer contact the NCDHH office in your area for assistance.
If I cannot afford to buy my own TTY or phone amplifier where can I get financial assistance?
Answer -- The Nebraska Equipment Distribution program provides monetary assistance to persons who experience deafness, hearing loss, deaf-blind or speech disabled. There are no income guidelines and application can be made through the Commission. Contact the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) office for more details.
Where can I get a TTY or amplified phone while my equipment is being repaired?
Answer -- Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) can provide you with a temporary loan while your phone equipment is being repaired. There is no cost(s) for the loan, however the consumer is responsible for the care of the equipment and returning it to the Commission when the loan period expires.
I have difficulties communicating with my doctor
and
need a sign language interpreter, what do I do?
Answer -- When you make an appointment with your Doctor, tell the doctor’s office that you are deaf and would like to have a qualified sign language interpreter for your Doctor’s appointment. If the doctor’s office does not know where to get an interpreter, refer them to the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) interpreter referral service by calling toll free at 1-877-248-7836.
What do I do if the Doctor’s office refuses to hire an interpreter?
Answer -- Contact the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) office in your area and speak with a Field Representative. They will contact the Doctor’s office and provide them with information about the Americans with Disabilities Act and your rights to have accessible and effective communication.
I am going to have surgery, what do I need
to do to
ensure effective communication at the hospital?
Answer -- Contact the Human Resources Department at the Hospital to request accessible services you will need during your stay. Accessible services could include services such as closed captioning on your TV, access to a phone and effective communication that best meets your needs. Any problems you might encounter at the hospital in regards to accessible services, please contact the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) office for assistance.
I was issued a ticket for a violation and must appear in court. What do I do to make sure that I have effective communication in the courtroom?
Answer -- Upon receiving your ticket notify the court immediately. Explain that you are deaf or hard of hearing and will need access to effective communication. This can be a sign language interpreter; CART or assistive listening devices. Refer the courts to the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) Interpreter Referral services at 1-877-248-7836. Most courts should have access to assistive listening devices; however, if the court does not know how or where to coordinate CART services or obtain assistive devices refer them to NCDHH for more information and/or assistance.
What is a Pocketalker?
Answer -- A Pocketalker is an assistive listening device that is used when one does not hear well in a noisy environment. The device is used for one-on-one communication. It is a powerful aid that can improve amplification for most people with a severe hearing loss. The Pocketalker can be used in a courtroom or in a large meeting group.
Suppose I would like to test a Pocketalker,
where can I
get one to loan?
Answer --The Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) office has Pocketalker to loan for a two-month trial period. The office can also give you information on where to purchase one.
What is a Relay System?
Answer -- The Nebraska Relay Service (NRS) provides the vital link for effective telephone communication between people who use a TTY and those who use a standard telephone. A TTY (also called a TDD, TT, or text telephone) is a device that allows people who cannot hear and/or speak to type and read their telephone conversations. Calls are relayed by operators called Communication Assistants (CAs), who act as an “invisible link” between the two relay users. You can reach the Nebraska Relay Service by dialing 711.
How many deaf people live in Nebraska?
Answer -- NCDHH has a voluntary census showing 629 deaf people and 3,773 hard of hearing people living in the state of Nebraska.
What language do deaf adults and children use to communicate?
Answer -- Typically, deaf adults and children use American Sign Language (ASL). Families with members attending a residential school (former Nebraska School for the Deaf/Iowa School for the Deaf) rely on ASL for communication. Those with mainstream (public school) education, or many acquiring deafness at a late age, may use Signing Exact English (S.E.E.), or lip reading. An individual’s family background may dictate language choice.
What is ASL?
Answer -- ASL is American Sign Language. ASL is a distinct language with its own grammar and syntax. It is not based on, nor derived from a spoken language. It is a visual-gestural language that uses facial expression, spatial markers, fingerspelling and signs. It is the native language of the Deaf community.
What is the history of ASL?
Answer -- ASL originated in 1816. A French deaf educator, Laurent Clerc, brought the language to the United States. About 60 percent of the vocabulary used in ASL comes from French Sign Language.
What is SEE?
Answer -- SEE is Signing Exact English. It developed in the public educational system as a means to educate deaf and hard of hearing children. It is a manual code for English, which includes initialized signs, and incorporates some ASL features for various words. SEE uses first-letter symbols and signs made to match words in the English language.
What is Pidgin?
Answer -- Pidgin Signed English is a combination of two languages. Typically, Pidgin is formed when two people communicate without knowing the other’s native language. Pidgin Signed English (PSE) may be formed when a person native of ASL communicates with someone native of English. The two languages are mixed together during the conversation and form Pidgin.
What is Gestuno?
Answer -- Gestuno is an international sign language system created by using various signs from different countries. It incorporates the use of mime and gestures.
What is the Nebraska Equipment Distribution Program?
Answer -- The Nebraska
Equipment Distribution Program (NEDP) is a state assistance program aiding
anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, or has speech impairment.
It offers individuals specialized telephone and notification devices —
signaling when a phone rings — at no cost.
To qualify, individuals must meet five (5) qualifying criteria. There
are no income guidelines. Qualifiers will receive a voucher from the Public
Service Commission (PSC) via U.S. Mail entitling them to free equipment.
Find the application and additional NEDP information on this website. See left tab labeled “Services”.
I am a hearing person and need to talk with someone
who is deaf by telephone, how do I do that?
Answer -- Hearing people can call anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing by using the Nebraska Relay System. The country wide number is 711. An operator will answer the phone and ask if you have used the relay before. Answer “no” for an explanation of how to proceed with your conversation.
How does the Nebraska Relay System work when a
deaf person calls a hearing person?>
Answer -- When a hearing person answers the phone, an operator will say, “This is CA, No. ABC. Someone is calling you through the Nebraska Relay System. Have you received a relay call before?” Answer “no” to have the operator explain the process. Then, begin conversing through an operator. Operators have a TTY to assist in dictating to you what the deaf person types. Your reply will be typed by the operator to the deaf person.
I've heard about a Video Relay Service. What is it
and
how does it work?
Answer -- Video Relay is a tool allowing deaf individuals to converse via web cam, or another piece of video technology. Sign interpreters replace operators who rely on TTY, such as the communication assistant in the Nebraska Relay System. Instead of typing to an operator, parties can sign. The interpreter will voice everything as the deaf person signs. As a speaker replies, the interpreter signs to the deaf person. This eliminates the need for you to say, “Go ahead,” or, “GA,” after each sentence.
What is CART?
Answer -- CART stands for Computer Aided Real Time. This is a service providing real time transcription to people attending seminars, performances, workshops or events that have a speaker. This service allows for a person with a hearing loss to read what is being said at the time it is spoken.
What is a TTY?
Answer -- TTY is an abbreviation for “Teletypewriter.” It has also been called a TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf), and TT (Text Telephone). This device is manufactured to help people with a hearing loss to freely use the telephone.
The device has an acoustic coupler (where the phone is set), keyboard, and a small digital screen. Use the keyboard to type messages as if you are voicing directly to the person. Newer models rarely require putting the phone handset on the acoustic coupler. Many models have a direct connect feature allowing the deaf to dial directly with their TTY. Deaf and hard of hearing people may use this device to call their friends and family, if they have a TTY, as well.
If you must make a phone call to someone without access to a TTY (i.e. doctor’s office, restaurant, etc.), call using the Nebraska Relay System.
My doctor has diagnosed me with a hearing loss. What services are available for hard of hearing people?
Answer -- The Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) is an information and referral agency, geared to helping you maintain a healthy quality of life. Advocacy, equipment loan, hearing aid banks and mental health referral services are provided.
For example, NCDHH helps you acquire an amplified telephone and/or phone ringing notification device, important for communication. NCDHH provides hearing aid applications, plus advocacy services. All three NCDHH offices display assistive listening devices to help you test the equipment used in the marketplace. These items are available for loan, for a period of up to two (2) months.
I am a deaf/hearing client and would like to comment
about a specific interpreter is there a form. Can I do that?
Answer -- Yes. You may access interpreter evaluation forms on the NCDHH website, complete and submit them at anytime. You may also request a form via telephone or in person.
I live in rural Nebraska. Whom do I contact for deaf
or
hard of hearing assistance in my area?
Answer -- See the NCDHH region services map on the homepage for specific county and locale details. There is an office in North Platte for the western region of Nebraska.
An interpreter didn't show up at my appointment. I confirmed the appointment well in advance. What are my options?
Answer -- Have the agency call the interpreter referral service in Omaha and let them know the interpreter did not show. You may file a formal complaint or grievance by going to your local Commission office. NCDHH will investigate the situation and let you know the results. However, if the Interpreter was not referred by the Commission, or is not on our list, NCDHH may not handle the issue.
Can NCDHH keep a record, as a deaf person, of my preferred interpreters?
Answer -- Yes. Each time you add an interpreter to your list, his or her name will remain as a preferred interpreter until you request otherwise. You may call the NCDHH interpreter referral department in Omaha, 877-248-7936, to establish your list of preferred interpreters.
I will be attending a workshop and prefer to utilize
CART. What should I do?
Answer -- NCDHH at this time does not have CART providers as a part of their referral service. The Commission has a list of CART providers that can be distributed to persons requesting this service.
Does Nebraska require Interpreters to be licensed?
If so, how does one obtain a license?
Answer -- Yes. Nebraska passed a bill mandating state- or government-funded agencies to hire licensed interpreters. Interpreter holding a Q.A.S.T. Level-III certification (or above may) obtain a license through NCDHH. The rules and regulations to his legislative bill are still being written so no licenses have been issued yet. By 2006, licenses will be issued and this law will be in effect and pursued.
Does the Commission ever ask Agency/Businesses to complete Evaluation Forms?
Answer -- Yes. Periodically, evaluation forms are mailed to random agencies and businesses to evaluate the interpreting services they receive. Evaluation forms are also kept on the NCDHH website for your free access and submittals at anytime.
We would like to have a sign language class taught to employees of our small business/agency. Who do I contact?
Answer -- Contact a local Field Representative in your area. He or she may have information on who provides this type of service.
We would like to have someone come teach a basic
sign language course to our State of Nebraska agency (or commission),
for communication purposes. Can NCDHH help?
Answer -- Yes, NCDHH offers sign language classes with a minimum of 10 students to state agencies and commissions.
I work at a hotel. How do we accommodate our deaf
and hard of hearing guests?
Answer -- Hotels are considered a public entity and owners must make rooms are accessible to deaf and hard of hearing individuals, as they would be by someone without a hearing