FAQs

Your local contact will review your application, confirm your eligibility, and reach out to you if anything is missing. Once approved, they’ll schedule a meeting to discuss your communication needs.

You will need to provide:

• Proof of disability – documentation from a doctor, audiologist, or vision professional confirming significant combined hearing and vision loss.
  
• Proof of income – such as a recent tax return, pay stub, or Social Security statement to show that your income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have significant combined vision and hearing loss as verified by a professional (e.g., physician, audiologist, vision specialist).
  
• Have an income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Because iCanConnect is a federally funded program, it prioritizes access for individuals and families who otherwise could not afford specialized communication equipment.

Yes. After your application is approved, a local program representative will work with you to identify which devices best fit your needs, and they’ll provide training to make sure you’re comfortable using them.

The program provides a wide range of accessible communication tools, including:

• Screen readers, refreshable Braille displays, and speech-to-text software
• Smartphones, tablets, and computers with accessibility features
• Signalers and amplified telephones
• Specialized accessories to enhance accessibility

Absolutely. Your local iCanConnect contact is the best person to reach out to for questions about eligibility, documentation, or the application itself. Their role is to make the process simple and supportive.

A directory of state and territory contacts is available on iCanConnect.org. Simply choose your state from the list to find phone numbers, email addresses, and mailing instructions.

Yes. Each state and U.S. territory has a local iCanConnect contact who can walk you through the process. They can answer questions, provide forms, and even assist with gathering the required documentation.

You can begin by visiting the How to Apply page on iCanConnect.org, where you’ll find the application form and instructions.

Yes. In addition to providing equipment, the program offers one-on-one training to ensure participants can use the technology effectively in their daily lives.

The program was established to ensure people who are deaf-blind can access modern communication tools, stay connected with family, friends, support services, and participate fully in their communities.

The program is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and carried out by local partners in each U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia.

iCanConnect, formally known as the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), provides free distance communication technology and training to people with both significant hearing and vision loss.