Does hearing or mobility impact your phone use?

By Tonya Villwock, Independent Living Services Coordinator—Branch Offices
 
The Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP) is a Wisconsin statewide program that helps people with disabilities buy adaptive telephone equipment that they need to live independently. TEPP is paid for by the Universal Service Fund (USF) established by the Public Service Commission.
 
Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you want a large print or talking caller-ID?
• Do you want your lights to flash when the phone rings?
• Do you want your phone to ring more than four times?
• Do you need more memory buttons to pre-record phone numbers?
• Does a mobility disability make it difficult to use your phone?
• Do you need a louder amplified answering machine?
• Do you have a hard time hearing on a cell phone?
• Are you tired of asking people to repeat themselves?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, TEPP may be the program for you. There is NO catch! All you have to do is fill out an application and meet these three requirements:

1. Be a Wisconsin resident
2. Be a person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or who has a speech, mobility or motion limitation
3. Have a need for adaptive equipment in the home

There is no age or income limit, but an applicant can only apply every three years.
 
Contact Independence First if you would like to see what kinds of adaptive phone equipment are  available! We will help you fill out the TEPP application, assist in ordering you the correct equipment, install the equipment in your home and get your independent living needs met!
 
Click here to see the IndependendenceFirst TEPP flyer.
 
You can also visit the TEPP website for more information.