Modern technology has vastly expanded the way most people communicate through voice, data and video services. However, people who have combined vision and hearing loss may need special equipment to make a phone call, send an email or access the Internet. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) Division administers two programs that distribute communications equipment free of charge to people with combined hearing and vision loss.
A wide range of special telecommunications devices are available to help people with combined hearing and vision loss stay connected. Contact the Minnesota Telecommunications Equipment Distribution (TED) program for more information.
ICanConnect-MN
iCanConnect-MN is a technology distribution program focused exclusively on the needs of people who have combined hearing and vision loss. It provides a wide range of free hardware, software and applications that address the communications technology needs of people who have hearing and vision loss. Depending on the individual’s situation, a technology solution may include products that are available to the general public and accessible to people with hearing and vision loss or specialized equipment, such as screen enlargement software, screen readers or Braille displays.
iCanConnect-MN support is available to low-income Minnesotans of all ages who have combined vision and hearing loss. It is funded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which established the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP). In Minnesota, the program is called iCanConnect-MN and administered through the Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division.
For more information or to request an application form, go to:
Minnesota Telephone Equipment Distribution Program
The Minnesota Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) program provides specialized telephone equipment at no cost to people who are deaf, have combined hearing and vision loss, are hard of hearing, have speech disorders, or are physically disabled.
Contact the TED program to request an application. If you qualify, a TED Program specialist will help to determine the type of equipment that is best suited to your needs.
Equipment provided through the TED program is on long-term loan from the State of Minnesota. Some equipment options include:
- Amplified telephones.
- Captel phones that use speech recognition software to provide captioning.
- Telephones with flashing light ring signalers.
- Telephones with amplified ringers.
- Hands-free speakerphones.
- TTYs/TDDs.
- TTYs with large visual displays.
- Braille phones.
The TED program is administered by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) Division.