PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - New equipment has been added to some of the rooms at the Rhode Island State House that are most often frequented by the public, so visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing can fully participate in state government.
A new hearing loop system was installed ahead of the legislative session’s January start. The wireless network transmits sound to digital hearing aids.
It’s now in the room where House Finance Committee hearings are held, the State Room, the largest Senate hearing room and the Senate and House galleries.
An assistive listening device system is available elsewhere.
The Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing paid $50,000 for the improvements, with another $10,000 coming from the General Assembly’s operational budget.
The previous system required users to wear headsets.
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