Expanding access to assistive devices for home emergencies

Millsboro, Del. – The Delaware Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DODHH) has begun implementing a new initiative to expand access to assistive devices for home emergencies.

Today, Millsboro Public Library hosted a presentation that provided demonstrations of home safety equipment that cater to those with hearing or vision loss.  Their main focus was fire and carbon monoxide safety, with the intention of providing access comparable to those who do not suffer from sensory loss.  Such technology displayed included fire alarms that emitted a loud signal, but also a bright flash for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Regarding the issue of sound, Christina Feil of the DODHH says, “we need to be able to feel that information coming to us and to be able to know what’s going on.”

“Hearing people depend on that sound, but deaf and hard of hearing people rely on their vision and their feeling.”

In 2025, Delaware experienced nine fire-related deaths, with five of those occurring without a fire alarm present.

The Delaware Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will be hosting more presentations of this nature in the future and announcements can be found on their social media.