| Program : Eligibility : Equipment : Lending : Cost-Sharing
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Direct Purchase : Funding : Application |
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| Specialized Phone Equipment to Keep Maine Citizens in Touch |
| MCD Equipment Program |
Maine Center on Deafness offers specialized communications equipment to qualified people in Maine.
The Maine Center on Deafness (MCD) Equipment Program is funded by the Universal Service Fund and the Division of Deafness located within the Department of Labor's Bureau of Rehabilitation Services.
Through the MCD Equipment Program both Telecommunications (TEP) and Emergency Notification System (ENS) equipment are available.
Depending on your income there are three options available to obtain equipment:
- Lending
- Cost-Share
- Direct Purchase
MCD also publishes a TTY directory that is available for free. However, the next printing will be in 2007. |
| Eligibility Requirements for MCD Equipment Program |
- You must be a Maine resident and have a physical or cognitive disability that affects your ability to use regular telephone equipment. For example, you may be deaf, hard of hearing, blind, have low vision or difficulty speaking.
- You must have proof of your disability. For example, a note from a doctor or other licensed professional, a copy of a signed audiogram OR a diploma from a school for the deaf and/or blind.
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| Specialized Telephone Equipment |
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| Some of the products available include: |
 Text Telephone (TTY)
This device is generally used by individuals who are unable to hear and speak using a standard telephone. |
Captioned Telephone (CapTel), Voice Carry Over (VCO) or Hearing Carry Over (HCO) Phone
 For individuals who can speak, but cannot hear using a standard telephone, VCO or CapTel is available. For individuals who can hear, but cannot speak clearly, HCO is available.
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 Amplified Telephone
This device is generally used by individuals who can not hear using a standard telephone. It increases the volume to improve understanding of spoken words. |
 TTY with Braille or Large Visual Display
These devices are generally used by individuals who are deaf-blind or have low vision and hearing loss. The TTY comes with Braille output device or large visual display.
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 Back Talking Phone
This device has jumbo-size buttons with Braille characters, and also calls out the numbers as they are dialed. |
 Voice-Activated Speaker Phone
This device is designed for people with a mobility and/or dexterity loss that prevents using a standing telephone, It includes voice-activated answering and operation. |
Telephone Signalers
This device can be a flashing light, loud bell or vibrating unit to alert an individual that the phone is ringing. |
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| Equipment Lending Program |
For persons who live on a limited or fixed income
- Equipment will be provided to fit your telecommunication needs.
- You are responsible for insurance that covers the equipment for fire, theft, or other damage.
- If your equipment needs repair due to normal use, MCD will loan you equipment while we get yours repaired.
- Equipment must be returned when you move out of Maine or no longer need it.
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| Equipment Cost-Sharing Program |
- If you are not eligible for the Lending Option or prefer to own your own equipment, you can purchase it at a reduced cost based on your income.
- You can choose from a wide variety of available equipment.
- You own the equipment and can take it with you anywhere, including out of Maine.
- You are responsible for any needed repairs and any warranty obligations.
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| Direct Purchase Option |
| If you do not want to provide income information you can purchase telecommunications and alert equipment at a discounted rate. Contact Us for more information. |
| Funds made possible by: |
Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Deafness
Maine Emergency Management Agency
Universal Service Fund
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