Grant Supports
» Health Board MSAAs:
The Health Board administers a grant scheme for equipment for Deaf and hard of hearing. It is known as MSAA- Medical Surgical Aids and Appliances. The MSAA committee use a Priority Rating System (P1, P2).
P1 is usually sanctioned straight away at committee stage (pending funding). Committee meets approx every 1-2 months. These pieces of equipment are seen as essential as they can impact on Health and Safety. P1 is given to equipment such as:
Baby Alarm
Doorbell
Fire Alarm
P2 is given to pieces of equipment that are seen as non-essential. However, if a client can argue for these to be given P1 status, the sanctioning
committee will consider this. If funding is limited, applications with P2 can be put on a waiting. P2 can be given to equipment such as:
Alarm Clock
Bellman Listening Device
Hearit Listening Device
Infraport
Pro Talker
Tinnitus Relaxer
Teleflash.
» Community Welfare Office SWA:
Applications can also be made to the CWO (Community Welfare Officer-
HSE) for SWA (Supplementary Welfare Allowance
» FAS WEAG:
If a person is in employment and requires equipment for work purposes: an application can be made to FAS for WEAG (Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant). Website: www.fas.ie/disability/weag.htm
» Urban / County Councils:
If a person lives in a Council House and requires a fire alarm system or doorbell, an application can be made to the Council to install this equipment.
» Eircom:
An amplified telephone (Eircom db30) is available from Eircom free of charge if a client has the Free Telephone Allowance. Dial 1901 to apply for the phone. A telephone account number is required. Eircom usually sends out phone within 7 working days.
There can be waiting lists for applications for equipment. This can vary from one month to six months or longer. Each department / allowance has qualifying criteria. Availability of funding can also be an issue.
