This program will purchase and distribute, free of charge, telecommunication devices to make telephone services accessible for individuals with disabilities.

A telecommunication device for individuals with disabilities is an electrical or mechanical device for use with a telephone that enables the individual to communicate through a telephone. Examples of devices are fully voice activated phone, speaker phone, cordless phones, emergency phone dialers, main street emergency messenger telephone, picture dialing phone, large button phones, and other similar devices.

In order to be eligible for the program an individual must have a disability which prevents them from using a telephone or answering a telephone in a timely manner without a telecommunication device, must be a state resident, and must have phone service. If the individual lives in a nursing home, group home, or other institution, they must own the phone line.

*Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or speech impaired should contact the Office of Deaf Services (605) 773-3195.

For more detailed information or if you know of someone with a disability that has a need for this service, please call the PFCIL office in your area.