The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program-iCanConnect/NJ

iCanConnect/NJ

Providing telecommunication devices for those with combined vision and hearing loss

Eligibility for this program:

The iCanConnect/NJ program is for individuals who meet both of the following:

1. Have a combined vision and hearing loss so as to be considered “deaf-blind” as defined by The Helen Keller National Center Act. This must be verified by a practicing professional who has direct knowledge of your vision and hearing loss, such as a vision or hearing related professional, medical professional, educator or community-based service provider.
2. Have an income that does not exceed 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). Applicants who are enrolled in federal subsidy program with income thresholds lower than 400% of the FPG are income eligible for this program. Applicants who are not enrolled in a qualifying federal low-income program must be deemed eligible by review of a recent income tax return or other means.

iCanConnect, the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program, was mandated by the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 and established by the Federal Communications Commission. In New Jersey, the Center for Sensory & Complex Disabilities at The College of New Jersey and the New Jersey Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired have formed a collaborative commitment to implement this program.

http://www.njscd.org 1-609-771-2711 Phone

iCanConnectNJ@Gmail.com 1-888-684-6903 Fax

Communication is essential for staying healthy, holding a job, managing a household and participating in the community.

Modern technology allows most people to communicate through phones and computers but for people who have a combined vision and hearing loss, special equipment may be necessary to make a phone call, send an email, text or access the Internet.

The iCanConnect/NJ program ensures that individuals who have a combined hearing and vision loss as defined by the Helen Keller National Center Act and who meets income criteria, can access telephone, advanced communications and information services.

iCanConnect/NJ provides communications equipment, installation, training and support to qualified individuals.

A wide range of communications technology-hardware, software, applications-is available to suit the varying needs of those who have a combined hearing and vision loss. Some products are available to the general public, such as telephones or computers, while others include specialized equipment such as screen readers or braille displays. A qualified program specialist can help you identify equipment that will meet your needs and training is available once your new equipment arrives.

Is this program for you?

If you have both a vision and hearing loss and you cannot afford communications technology that enables you to use a telephone, send email, access the Internet or use other communications technology, you may be eligible for this program.

To learn more:

http://www.njcscd.org

iCanConnectNJ@gmail.com

1-609-771-2711 Phone

1-888-684-6903 Fax

https://njcscd.tcnj.edu/

Disclaimer: This information comes from the iCanConnect/NJ pamphlet from the Center of Sensory and Complex Disabilities at the College of New Jersey, NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and I give them full credit for this information. Please call or email them directly for more information.