Section 46.297. Telecommunication aid for the hearing impaired.

 

(1)   Assistance. From the appropriation under s. 20.435 (7) (d) , the department shall, subject to the availability of funds, provide assistance to hearing-impaired persons to secure telecommunication devices capable of serving their needs. Except in extraordinary circumstances, the department shall purchase or provide funds for the purchase of telecommunication devices.

(2)   Eligibility. A person is eligible to receive assistance under sub. (1) if all of the following conditions are met:

(a) The person is certified as deaf or severely hearing impaired by a physician, an audiologist licensed under subch. II of ch. 459 or the department.

(b) The adjusted gross income of the person's family is equal to or less than 200 percent of the poverty line established under 42 USC 9902 (2).

(3)   Hearing rights. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the department under this section has a right to a contested case hearing under ch. 227 .

(4)   Departmental duties. The department shall:

(a) Promulgate rules necessary for the administration of this section.

(b) Establish application procedures and determine eligibility.

1983 a. 427 ; Stats. 1983 s. 46.90; 1983 a. 538 s. 51 ; Stats. 1983 s. 46.92; 1987 a. 27 ; 1987 a. 257 s. 2 ; 1989 a. 173 s. 3 ; Stats. 1989 s. 47.20; 1989 a. 316 ; 1995 a. 27 s. 2421 ; Stats. 1995 s. 46.297. Cross-reference: See also ch. DHS 77 , 78 , and 143 , Wis. adm. code.