Assistive Technology (AT) can be used to help a person with telephone access. Maryland Relay and the Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program supports people who are unable to use a standard phone, including those who are/have:
Text telephones (TTYs)
Braille TTYs for people who are DeafBlind
Hearing Carry-Over (HCO) phones
Voice Carry-Over (VCO) phones
Tablets
Captioned Telephones
Amplified phones
Ring signalers
Phones with large and/or high contrast buttons
Phones that talk when dialed
Picture phones
Phones that amplify speech
Hands-free phones
Bed shakers to alert you when you are sleeping
Wheelchair pad phone switches
Maryland Relay and the Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program provide assistive equipment to qualified applicants. Click here to learn more about the application process.
Reaching out to the Maryland Technology Assistance Program to request a free consultation is also a great option. MDTAP provides free consultations to Marylanders with disabilities and has an array of knowledge and technologies available to share. This is a consultative, informal process whereby you meet with one of MDTAP’s skilled AT specialists and they provide information, resources, informal recommendations, and access to devices available for loan during a trial period. You can even schedule a tour of their library of AT devices.
If these resources or medical insurance will not cover the cost of the AT devices or services that you need, you can request AT funding through DDA through the PCP process. It is important to note that DDA requires that any request for AT over $2,500 must be supported by recommendations in a formal assessment.
Check out Maryland Relay and the Maryland Accessible Telecommunications Program, which provide assistive equipment to qualified applicants.
Reach out to Maryland Technology Assistance Program to request a free AT consultation and/or try out devices through their device loan library.
Read about additional AT Funding Options in Maryland, here.
Talk to your CCS about requesting any needed AT devices and services through DDA, if they are not going to be provided by Maryland Relay.
Read about additional AT Funding Options in Maryland, here.
Reach out to AT Discount Sales & Services to see if you can get a discounted quote if you need to purchase the equipment yourself.
Check out The Assistive Technology Loan Program, which helps Maryland residents with disabilities and their families qualify for low-interest loans to buy equipment that will help them live, work and learn more independently.
See if you can find what you need through the Maryland Technology Assistance AT Reuse program.
Don’t forget to make a plan for setup and training on your new AT for you and your team. Talk to Maryland Relay about your options for this.
If you are currently receiving DDA Waiver funding, you can ask DDA for funding for training on your new Assistive Technology as part of your service request through the Person Centered Planning process.
If you or the person you are seeking AT for is involved with DORS, try asking them for an AT assessment before going to DDA.