Funding resources for assistive technology : Oklahoma Equipment Distribution Program.

              Funding Resources for Assistive Technology
Oklahoma Equipment Distribution Program
If you have had difficulty hearing people on the telephone and frequently ask people to repeat themselves, it may be time to start using specialized equipment.
But what if you can’t afford to buy anything that could assist you? Did you know you may be eligible to receive devices from the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, Oklahoma Equipment Distribution Program or the Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program?
What is the Equipment Distribution Program?
The Equiptment Distribution Program provides adaptive equipment for telephone and communications access for individuals who may be
• deaf,
• deaf-blind,
• hard of hearing or
• speech impaired.
Who is eligible?
• Oklahoma residents
• individuals who can provide proof of speech impairment or hearing loss severe enough to require use of TTY or amplifier to use the telephone
• individuals who can provide proof of any other contributing disability (i.e. blindness, visual impairment, physical disability, etc.)
• individuals who meet the established income guidelines
What kind of devices can I get?
Items available include:
• TTYs
• phone amplifiers
• ring signalers
• visual signaling devices
• other adaptive devices for use in the home
What is the cost of specialized devices?
Equipment is free for those meeting income guidelines, with sliding scale charges for persons’ above set income levels.
Jennie’s main contact with the world was via telephone until she reached her 80s and could no longer hear phone conversations. On a limited income, she wasn’t able to afford hearing aids or a specialized phone. With the assistance of the Oklahoma Equip­ment Distribution Program and the Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program she received an amplified telephone which makes all the difference. Now she can have a telephone conversation with her family and friends.