Free Products and Services for the Impaired
Deaf and Disabled
Telecommunications Program (DDTP)
What is it?
Under the DDTP, the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) is a state-mandated program that provides free telecommunications equipment and services for California individuals certified as having functional limitations of hearing, vision, mobility, speech and/or interpretation of information.
Scroll down for a summary of equipment and services provided.
Who runs it?
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
Who pays for it?
The program is funded by a small surcharge that appears on all Californians' telephone bills.
How can I contact the program?
For more information and instructions on ordering any of the following services, click here or call 800-806-1191, 800-806-4474 (TTY).
Hearing Impaired: Hard of Hearing, Deaf or Deafened
For California local phone customers who qualify as being hearing-impaired, the CCTP program can provide the following equipment or services free of charge:
- Amplified telephone to increase volume
- Loud ringer or flashing light device to indicate that the telephone is ringing
- TTY, a telecommunications device with keyboard and visual display for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Three-way calling for use with two-line Voice Carry Over (VCO)
- Flashing or vibrating alert device to indicate that the phone is ringing
- TTY toll discount - provides discounted rates to customers who use a TTY to make and receive telephone calls, as TTY calls generally require longer periods of time to complete a call.
Visually-Impaired or Blind
For California local phone customers who qualify as being visually-impaired, the CCTP program can provide the following equipment or services free of charge:
- Large button phone
- Cordless phone
- Speaker phone
- Speed dialing (stores telephone numbers for memory dialing)
- Speed Calling 8 or 30 - Enables the programming of (8) or (30) frequently dialed numbers into the telephone line. All phones on that telephone line may then be dialed with the touch of two buttons.
- Directory Assistance Exemption - Provides directory assistance at reduced or no cost, within a specified calling area.
- Manual Operator Service - Provides operator-assisted dialing at no additional cost.
Speech-Impaired
For California local phone customers who qualify as being speech-impaired, the CCTP program can provide the following equipment or services free of charge:
- Speech amplifier to increase outgoing voice volume over the phone
- Artificial larynx
- TTY (telecommunication device with keyboard and visual display for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired)
- Speech to Speech relay service
- Three-way calling - Enables a customer to talk to two people in two different places at the same time. This is especially helpful for people whose speech is not easily understood by an unknown party on the other end of the call. The speech disabled person may "add-on" a third person, one that is familiar with his/her speech pattern, who may then assist with the call. This service is also available for Two-Line VCO users.
- TTY toll discount - provides discounted rates to customers who use a TTY to make and receive telephone calls, as TTY calls generally require longer periods of time to complete a call.
- Some local telephone companies offer a toll discount to speech disabled customers
Mobility-Impaired
For California local phone customers who qualify as being mobility-impaired, the CCTP program can provide the following equipment or services free of charge:
- Telephone headset
- Speed Calling 8 or 30 - Enables the programming of (8) or (30) frequently dialed numbers into the telephone line. All phones on that telephone line may then be dialed with the touch of two buttons.
- Speakerphone or remote speakerphone for hands-free calls
- Cordless phone
- Speed dialing (stores numbers for memory dialing)
- Directory Assistance Exemption - Provides directory assistance at reduced or no cost, within a specified calling area
- Manual Operator Service - Provides operator-assisted dialing at no additional cost.
Cognitively-Impaired
For California local phone customers who qualify as being speech-impaired, the CCTP program can provide the following equipment or services free of charge:
- Picture phone
- Speed dialing
- Speakerphone with visual display of numbers dialed
- Three-way calling which allows a familiar third party to assist with phone communication.
- Speed Calling 8 or 30 - Enables the programming of (8) or (30) frequently dialed numbers into the telephone line. All phones on that telephone line may then be dialed with the touch of two buttons.
- Directory Assistance Exemption - Provides directory assistance at reduced or no cost, within a specified calling area.
California Relay Service (CRS)
The California Relay Service (CRS) enables a person using a TTY (telecommunication device with keyboard and visual display, for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled) to communicate by phone with a person who does not use a TTY. The service also works in reverse - allowing a non-TTY user to call a TTY user. This service is accessed by dialing 711.
Communications: Landline -
Post to Twitter
Like what you see? Go ahead and show your support! UCAN is a truly independent non-profit watchdog organization, dependent on grassroots donations like yours!
Utility Consumers' Action Network - (619) 696-6966
Terms and Conditions
UCAN.org is made available by the Utility Consumers' Action Network to assist you in becoming what you always knew you could be: a consumer ROCK STAR! We take no corporate money, and are beholden only to you, the consumer. As such, the site is here for educational, advocacy, and empowerment purposes, as well to to give you general information and a general understanding of the law. Just remember this site is NOT here to provide specific legal advice. By using this web site you of course understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Web Site publisher, UCAN. The Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.
That said, get to digging on the site, inform yourself, speak your mind, and earn Watchdog Bones! This is YOUR site, and we mean it. So comment on any of the content, discuss the latest issues in the forums, file a complaint on a company with the Fraud Squad, and generally cut loose.
See our Terms of Use, Privacy, and Copyright complaint policies as well as our Content Reuse Policy, Some Rights Reserved. Remember, if you have any questions about copyright law or need legal information regarding intellectual property, the internet, or new technologies, visit our affiliate New Media Rights at www.newmediarights.org. If you are in the San Diego region, you can also can apply to use New Media Rights' multimedia studio and equipment for free.
Free phone
Caregiver and need a free amplified phone for a 88 yr. lady who is hard of hearing
Looking for a amplified free phone
Need a phone for a lady I am caring for, she doesn't have a computer, so as caregiver trying to locate a free phone for herc
i can not hear conversations on phone
two months ago i sent forms with my doctors signature and requested information. Haven't heard a word. I can not hear conversATIONS ON PHONE, MY service dog alerts me when phone is ringing.. One place that advertises free phones for disabled charges $29.00 shipping.
I do not remember the name of the company I sent the gforms to. But it was CAL something.
free phone for hearing impaired in Michigan
My dad who lives in Sterling Heights,Michigan, is 83 years old and very hard of hearing. It has become very difficult to communicate with over the phone. Please let me know where I can get him a free land line phone for him.
Thank you very much.
free texting device
`Is there a way I can get a freecell phone or a phone with texting capabilities for my extremely hard of hearing uncle?
free amplified telephone
I am hearing impaired and wear hearing aids.I am hoping to get a free amplified telephone here in connecticut.Please help.
Thank you
Steve McGuigan
tel# 561-575-0676
NY info
Is there a site like this for NY state?
mygrandpa
To whom it may concern.
My grandpa is hard of hearing and does have a hearing aid yet he still has difficulty hearing on his house phone. He is 96 yrs old and my mother calls him every morning and they have a hard time with their conversations. Could someone please help me and my mom find a free land line phone for him.
Thankyou Melanie
I need a cell phone for emergencies to have in my car
I don't see small numbers very well. I wear glasses to magnify numbers and letters. I am a senior and drive to work daily.
Free telephone service a Two - way hands free speaker phone
My neighbor and buddy in San Diego had a stroke late last year he was 85 years old.
When I telephone my buddy in San Diego, he was to use a speaker phone.
The speaker phone he has does not work sufficiently enough to understand him or hear my buddy speak.
How do I contact the California telephone access program for assistance.
Sincerely,
Ken
Hearing impaired
I am hearing impaired and have speech impairment since I was 5. I have a little girl who is 6 and is struggling in school. I am trying to get disability and its a long process. Is there any free equipment that you guys can donate to help me?
Return phone
Can anyone tell me how to return a no longer needed phone?
inability to hear judge or court clearly
I have been in the Sacramento BR court for multiple sessions in the past year. I am an ex US Naval Avaitor, like all carrier personnel have seen a loss in hearing, in selective frequencies. I have difficulty hearing entire conversations on the phone etc. I did go in for a free check up, I'm 67 and have not yet applied for ssn or visited the VA. As a result of the BR I have very little money court trustee has sold almost everything for pennies. I have not been allowed any living expenses, all monies go to trustee. Results have decimated my business. At my first court hearing I noted a difficulty in understanding or hearing the judge. I got the jist of the conversation but it got worse over time. I did go and ask for the hearing set, but it was a cheap ofter unclean, and worthless for my frequency loss. A free test by specialist indicated a 100% loss in one ear and a 75% in the other. The judge would address me and I told him I was having difficulty in hearing him. He pointed to the plastic devices, which I retried. No help. More court sessions more complaints on my part, just scorned looks at me from Judge but he proceeded in the motions.
Complained to the trustee, I had no money no lawyer, ot he failed to show up for court. I appealed, which upset everyone, but my lack of legal knowledge lost first appeal, the second because I did not have the correct address. Over 5 million dollars of my assets were sold or lost, still no help from courts. I have been trying to get to the VA but am limited by lack of funds. What irritates me is the judge is peeved when I tell him I'm sorry your honor I did not hear what you said. He just sneers and keeps right on going.
I own a lovely home in the
I own a lovely home in the Napa Valley, 4 bed rm. 3 bath over 2500 square ft. with great views and lots of wonderful amenities. I have cut the price in half in order to sell it. The big draw back is road noise, which truly is not so bad. However to the hearing impaired this would be no trouble at all and a awesome value. I have pictures I could send if interested. Property is about 3/4 of an acre JUST Beautiful, home has so much to offer 1200 sq. ft. of decks, large fantastic back yard, dog kennel, green house, 3 car garage. Could be a WIN WIN for both of us?
What free equipment is
What free equipment is available in Texas? Most of the items of this page say they are for California residents.
Please let me know.
Thanks!
Phone
I know through our local rehab or Department of Human Services they help you fill out a form of a free phone. I got one about 8 years ago.
Thank you for helping to
Thank you for helping to resolve this dilemna and hope to hear from you ASAP.
special hearing/vision impaired phones
Dear Sir:
I am requesting information about the phones for hearing/vision impaired people that are provided free from the state and how to get them.
My Mother just moved in with us and she cannot hear much, even on our house phone, nor see the numbers well. My aunt also is in an assisted living retirement home and is legally blind and deaf and can't wear a hearing aid. Both of them would benefit from your special phones which would enable them to enjoy a decent phone conversation.
How do I go about getting a phone for both of them? This situation is driving us all crazy between the yelling and complaining.
Thank you for helping to resolve this dilemna and hope to hear from you ASAP.
Sincerely,
S.T. Kikuchi
trikechick@aol.com
tryin to get a free phone for my aunt
yes my aunt is nearly deaf,blind is on dyalisasis and im tryin to help her get a phone she can see the buttons an her the ring can you please help me asap.
Post new comment