Mercer County has been awarded an $80,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services to expand accessibility services for residents who are deaf or hard of hearing, increasing access to County programs, public meetings, and community events.
The funding will enhance communication services throughout County government by expanding interpretation services and investing in new accessibility technology that can be deployed at County facilities and public events.
“Every resident deserves equal access to County government and the services we provide,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “This grant will help us remove barriers to participation by improving accessibility tools and services and expanding access to County meetings, programs, and events.”
The grant will support several initiatives designed to improve accessibility across County operations, including:
- Implementing Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services at approximately 20 County events annually
- Purchasing two fully deployable mobile VRI units, including tablets or laptops, webcams, microphones, headsets, portable lighting, and rolling storage carts for use throughout County facilities and at public events
- Providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, including Certified Deaf Interpreters, for up to five public events each year
- Expanding hearing induction loop technology at key County facilities, meeting spaces, and the Mercer County Human Resources Office, while making portable hearing loop systems available for use across County departments
“No one should face barriers when accessing County services or participating in community life,” said Mercer County Commissioner Board Chair Terrance Stokes. “This funding reflects our commitment to making County government more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for every resident.”
“Government works best when every resident has equal access to the information and services they need,” said Mercer County Commissioner Board Vice Chair Cathleen Lewis. “These investments will help remove communication barriers by expanding interpretation services utilizing new accessibility technology, ensuring more residents can fully participate in County meetings, events, and programs.”
The grant builds on Mercer County’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and ensure residents of all abilities can access government services, participate in public meetings, and engage in community events. The new equipment and services will provide County departments with greater flexibility to deliver accessible programming wherever it is needed.
