iCanConnect

Talking on the phone or working on a computer can be difficult for someone who has minimal hearing and/or vision loss, but what about someone who has significant hearing and/or vision loss?  Do you support someone with that diagnosis?  If you answered “yes” then you will want to read on.  I have good news!  There is help, but you have to know how to find it. 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a program to help those with significant hearing and/or vision loss. It’s called the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP); also known as iCanConnect.  “The goal of iCanConnect is to ensure that low-income individuals who have combined hearing and vision loss can access telephone, advanced communications and information services, which will help them make a phone call, send an email, access the Internet or use other communications technology to communicate with family, friends and community members.” 

This program also offers assessments for specific accessibility needs, equipment installation, training, and technical support.  Even though this program is a national program, each state has a local contact.  Pennsylvania’s local contact for iCanConnect is through Temple University.  Live outside of Pennsylvania?  No worries, you can find your state’s local program here.

In order to be eligible for this program, you must meet the disability and income guidelines.  In addition, a professional, such as a community service provider, educator, healthcare provider, vision or hearing professional, vocational rehabilitation counselor, or medical/health professional must confirm the applicant meets the program’s definition for combined hearing and vision loss.  You can visit the iCanConnect website’s how to apply page to find the vision and hearing loss definitions as well as the income guidelines.

Let’s look at the types of equipment the program provides.  For more detailed information, please visit each individual webpage.

• Accessories – specialized keyboards, mounts, switches, headsets, and other support devices
• Braille Devices – variety of refreshable displays and sophisticated multipurpose devices
• Computers – both Windows and Apple desktop and laptop computers; large monitors
• Mobile Devices – cell phones, smartphones, tablets, and associated accessories
• Phones – variety of amplified speaker phones, cordless phones, and related devices that connect to a landline telephone service
• Signalers – audible, visual, and vibrating signalers to alert the user
• Software – screen readers and screen magnifier programs

For additional information or to read iCanConnect success stories, please visit their website. 

Remember,

For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier.  For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.“

– IBM Training Manual 1991