Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Programs
Sept 2000 - Many states provide telecommunications
equipment to people with disabilities at reduced or no cost; many don't.
A national organization called TEDPA promotes
the distribution of this equipment and maintains contact information on
the state agencies.
November 2002 - ACDHH Kicks Off
Voucher System for Telecommunications Devices
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September 2000
Have you ever heard of TEDPA?
It stands for the Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
Association, and it is a national organization that promotes the
distribution of telecommunications equipment for people with
disabilities. Its members are state representatives who are involved
with the distribution of specialized telecommunications equipment. TEDPA
doesn't provide equipment, but rather coordinates among those who do,
and tries to educate people and organizations about the need for such
programs.
To learn more about the organization, or about the telecommunications
equipment distribution program of any state, visit their website at www.tedpa.org. You might find it an educational experience. I was
astounded at the number of states that have NO equipment distribution
program.
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November 2002
Editor: Those of you who are lucky enough to live in a state that has
a Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program probably love the
program - unless you need a piece of equipment the program doesn't
offer. Interestingly, I just read about this exact problem between the
California program and a person who needs a piece of "special"
equipment. It looks like the folks in Arizona have figured out how to
handle this situation. If your state doesn't have a similar program,
maybe you should start to lobby for it!
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The Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH)
today kicks off the long anticipated voucher system for its statewide
telecommunications equipment distribution program, known as the Arizona
Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (AzTEDP).
Begun in 1986, AzTEDP has provided the Deaf, Hard of Hearing,
Deaf-Blind, and Speech Impaired with devices enabling them
telecommunications access. In the years since, AzTEDP has expanded from
three devices to over 20, but with vouchers good for equipment from any
vendor registered with AzTEDP-even those not in the state or the
country-qualified applicants will have even more options in the years
ahead.
"I am excited to offer Arizona residents more choices in
telecommunications devices and vendors. The voucher system
implementation is a direct response to our customers' wants and AzTEDP
is better positioned than ever to offer quality customer service,"
stated Edward Kinal, who oversees all ACDHH telecommunications
activities.
Application materials, a listing of equipment categories, a directory
of registered vendors, policies and procedures, and a FAQ are available
online at the revamped www.aztedp.org website. A brochure providing an
overview of AzTEDP can be requested from ACDHH.
Established in 1977, ACDHH is a state agency serving the deaf and
hard of hearing populations of the state of Arizona. In addition to
information and referral, ACDHH administers the state relay service,
performs interpreter licensure, and oversees a distribution program of
telecommunications equipment for those with a hearing loss. To learn
more about the agency, please visit www.acdhh.org.
