This is a bit long but may be worth the time to read if someone in your family needs accessible telecommunication equipment.

The Telecommunication Equipment Distribution (TED) Program serves clients all over Washington State and helps them get the equipment and training they need to communicate with their friends, family, doctors, caregivers, therapists, emergency services, etc.

During this time when many of our clients are staying home having access to accessible telecommunication equipment is essential! The training we provide is free for all clients and the equipment is free for many clients (dependent on income and other factors – they can include a letter explaining why they can’t afford the equipment if their income is above the threshold).

Here is the current website for the program: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/odhh/telecommunication-equipment-distribution

There have been some recent changes that are not reflected on this website, including the addition of iPhones for distribution and clients will also have the option for data enabled iPads (they can purchase their own data plans).

Also anything your client needs to access the equipment such as switches and mounts are also provided through this program. We also are able to get almost any speech generating app as long as it is appropriate for the client (Grid, Snap Core, Lamp, TouchChat, Proloquo2Go, Predictable, Cough Drop, etc).

We are using this to help many different types of people, including those with Autism, ALS, strokes, SCI, CP, and more. Your client doesn’t need a specific diagnosis, someone (such as a doctor, OT, SLP, non-profit rep) just has to certify that the client has a speech or hearing disability.

Here’s the application

https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ALTSA/stakeholders/documents/duals/toolkit/TED%20application.pdf

The evaluation will include :

Information gathering about how person communicates with friends, family, and supports now thru telecommunication, and level of independence

Ask If they have Wifi

What are their Communication needs ( supplement speech, substitute for speech)

Ask about communication abilities ( spell, gesture, signs, picture or photo understanding, vocalizations, verbalizations) and how functional they are related to telecommunications.

Ask if they already have have a communication system ( picture, recorded device, spelling board, word based, full speech generating device)

Ask about familiarity with iPads and speech apps

Ask about physical abilities, in a wheelchair, needing switches

Ask about main supports at home.

Ask if they need a relay service