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  National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program Español
                                한국어
                                繁體中文
                                Tagalog
                                Tiếng ViệtThe FCC's National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), also known as iCanConnect, provides equipment needed to make telecommunications, advanced communications, and the Internet accessible to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind or have both significant vision loss and significant hearing loss. The program serves eligible residents of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to equipment, assessments of specific accessibility needs, equipment installation, training, and other technical support are also available.VideoiCanConnect VideoWatch to learn more about the program.(Download video transcript)Who is eligible?Who is eligible?Low-income individuals who are deaf-blind are eligible to receive equipment. Applicants must provide verification of their status as low-income and deaf-blind.Deaf-blind eligibility requirements – an individual must have a combination of vision loss and hearing loss, as described next, that cause extreme difficulty in attaining independence in daily life activities, achieving psychosocial adjustment, or obtaining a vocation.Individuals must have the following combination to be considered eligible:Significant vision loss is defined as having at least one of the following conditions:Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses,A field defect such that the peripheral diameter of the visual field is no greater than 20 degrees, orProgressive visual loss with a prognosis leading to one or both of above conditions.Significant hearing loss is defined as having at least one of the following conditions:Chronic hearing disabilities so severe that most speech cannot be understood with optimum amplification, orProgressive hearing loss having a prognosis leading to above condition.A professional must attest to the hearing and vision loss in writing. Examples of professionals include a community service provider, educator, healthcare provider, vision or hearing professional, vocational rehabilitation counselor, or a medical or health professional.Income eligibility requirements – not more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines – are outlined in the following chart:**2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines**Number of persons in family/household400% for everywhere,except Alaska and Hawaii400%for Alaska400%for Hawaii1$60,240$75,240$69,2402$81,760$102,160$94,0003$103,280$129,080$118,7604$124,800$156,000$143,5205$146,320$182,920$168,2806$167,840$209,840$193,0407$189,360$236,760$217,8008$210,880$263,680$242,560For each additional person, add$21,520$26,920$24,760Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesType of equipment availableType of equipment availableThe equipment distributed through the program is designed to make the following services accessible:Voice communication through wireline and wireless telephonesInternet-based voice communicationE-mail, text messaging, and instant messagingInteroperable video conferencing servicesInternet access, including information servicesThe equipment may be mainstream or specialized hardware, software or applications and must meet the needs of the deaf-blind individual to achieve access. Equipment warranties, maintenance and repairs may also be provided.Find the program in your stateFind the program in your stateTo find the NDBEDP certified program in your state, go to icanconnect.org/how-to-apply/#contactmystate or call 1-800-825-4595.You can also send an email to dro@fcc.gov or call the FCC:Voice: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)Videophone: 1-844-432-2275Filing a complaintFiling a complaintYou may contact the FCC's Disability Rights Office or file a complaint when you believe an NDBEDP certified program has not followed the FCC's rules.A complaint must include the following: your name and contact information; the name of the NDBEDP certified program; a description of the problem or issue; how you want the problem or issue resolved; and your preferred format or method of response, such as by letter, telephone, or email.You may send your complaint to the Disability Rights Office by any reasonable means, such as by letter, fax, telephone, TTY, or email. You may also contact the Disability Rights Office if you need assistance filing a complaint.Disability Rights OfficeConsumer and Governmental Affairs BureauFederal Communications Commission45 L Street NEWashington, DC 20554Email: dro@fcc.govPhone: 202-418-2517Videophone: 844-432-2275The Disability Rights Office will forward your complaint to the NDBEDP certified program for a response. The Disability Rights Office will review the response and may communicate with you and the NDBEDP certified program. The Disability Rights Office will inform you and the NDBEDP certified program of its disposition of your complaint.If you are not satisfied with the Disability Rights Office's disposition of your complaint, you may file a formal complaint with the FCC in accordance with the FCC's formal complaint filing procedures.Printable VersionNational Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (pdf)

              Date Last Updated/Reviewed:
                  Wednesday, January 24, 2024
      
              **Bureau/Office:**
  Consumer and Governmental Affairs
      
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