iCanConnect is administered in Wisconsin by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), which regulates Wisconsin’s public utilities and certain aspects of local telephone service.  Now, it has partnered to bring assistive technology to people with significant hearing and vision loss across the state.

In 2012, PSC teamed up with several agencies, including the Center for Deaf-Blind Persons in Milwaukee, to administer iCanConnect Wisconsin.  The Center is the state’s only agency specializing in services for people who are totally deaf and blind or who have varying degrees of dual sensory loss. Through iCanConnect, the Center is providing communications equipment such as smartphones, tablets and braille devices free of charge to those who qualify.

From Client to Trainer

Billy Hamilton of Appleton, Wisconsin was born deaf with low vision.  He’s always been a whiz with technology.  Last year, Billy received a laptop through the iCanConnect program, using it to connect with family and friends through email.

And now, as he masters his technology skills even further, Billy is hoping to work and has been talking with the Center for Deaf-Blind Persons about working as a tutor and trainer.

 “To help offset this and make use of his tech savvy skills, the Center does plan to utilize him as a tutor/trainer where appropriate,” says Joan Schneider, Executive Director at the Center.