Assistive Devices for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People in Reading
Berks Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at 2045 Centre Avenue in Reading keeps many assistive devices on display so clients can see and test them for compatibility, helps people apply for Pennsylvania's Telecommunication Device Distribution Program, and runs its own fund that helps Berks County residents pay for devices.
Assistive technology helps people who are deaf and hard of hearing to live more independently. Assistive devices use auditory signals, flashing lights or vibrations to alert people with a hearing loss. The examples listed include alarm clocks with an extra loud alarm or bed shaker, baby cry signalers, doorbell signalers, smoke and fire alarms, some with built in strobe lights, telephones that adjust amplification depending on your hearing loss, and TV listening systems that let you listen at a volume comfortable to you without disturbing others.
At the Assistive Device Demonstration Center you are welcome to make an appointment to get more information about a particular device before you decide. To set up a time, use the contact form at sites.psu.edu/bdhhs/contact-us.
Berks Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services also established an Assistive Device Distribution Program for Berks County residents. Berks County residents may fill out the application form and, if qualified and approved, receive up to $250.00 in financial aid to pay for specific devices so that the client may remain independent. This is help toward the cost of a device, not a free device. Contact the office for guidelines and eligibility, which the page does not spell out.
The Pennsylvania Telecommunication Device Distribution Program, or TDDP, is a separate statewide program. It provides specialized telecommunications devices, such as text telephones and amplifiers, at no charge to qualifying persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, or with speech and language disorders, or with a physical disability that prevents them from using standard telecommunication equipment, who have gross incomes of less than 200% of the federal poverty level. To take part you must also be a Pennsylvania resident, have a qualified disability, be at least 6 years old, have phone service and be able to learn how to use the telecommunications device. That age rule applies to TDDP only. The devices available to eligible persons are TTY, voice Carryover TTY, Amplifier, Hands-Free Speakerphone, Large Button Speakerphone, TTY with Braille Display, TTY with Large Visual Display, Ring Signaler, Vibrating Signaler and Light Signaler. You can download a TDDP application at disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/tddp, or contact Lori Fisher, the Client Consultant at Berks Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, for help.
The office is at 2045 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19605, open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday 8 AM to 7 PM and Friday 8 AM to 1 PM. For general questions the agency lists a voice number, 610-685-4523, and a videophone number, 484-388-4086.
Source: sites.psu.edu/bdhhs/client-services, read November 3, 2026.
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Berks County residents may fill out the application form and if qualified and approved receive up to $250.00 in financial aid to pay for specific devices so that the client may remain independent.
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In Berks Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services’s words
Assistive Technology helps people who are deaf and hard of hearing to live more independently. Assistive Devices use auditory signals, flashing lights or vibrations to alert people with a hearing loss. TDDP Program: The Pennsylvania T elecommunication D evice D istribution P rogram provides specialized telecommunications devices, such as text telephones and amplifiers, at no charge to qualifying persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, or with speech and language disorders or with a physical…
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Berks Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
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This listing summarizes publicly available information from sites.psu.edu/bdhhs/client-services. Last recorded review: November 3, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.