Connecting Through Technology Lee Clark and Jan Radatz DHS Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division 2013 Age and Disabilities Odyssey Conference 1

National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) Also Known As 2

iCanConnect-MN Overview What is “iCanConnect”? The easy name for NDBEDP. Name was developed through national outreach grant to Perkins School for the Blind, Helen Keller National Center, Fablevision. FCC provided funding for 1) national outreach about the program and 2) each state to operate iCanConnect. 3

iCanConnect-MN Overview What is the purpose of the program Provide equipment to people who are deafblind and low income so they can access telecommunications, advanced communications, Internet. Wireless, wireline, , instant messaging, video conferencing, Internet, other communications services. 4

iCanConnect-MN / TED comparison TED (Telephone Equipment Distribution Program) Does include people who are deafblind Requires a person to have telecommunications service Limited to telecommunications Not all states have TED programs Funded by state dollars iCanConnect-MN For people who are deafblind Does not require a person to have paid telecommunications service Advanced communications, Internet allowed All states eligible to receive funding Federally funded 5

Why a separate program for people who are deafblind? Loss of hearing and vision poses unique communication challenges Technology opens up the world of communication  Technology is expensive, especially Braille devices  Monthly service costs expensive  High percent of people who are deafblind are unemployed or under-employed 6

iCanConnect-MN Overview Each state receives funding based on its total population Funding from FCC pays for equipment and training, staff time, administrative costs. No spending caps per person. No spending caps per equipment. 7

iCanConnect-MN Overview What services does DHHS provide? Individual assessment of equipment needs. Order equipment to fit each person’s needs. Install equipment and train person how to use it. Assist person if equipment needs to be repaired. Outreach activities. 8

Who is eligible? REQUIREMENTS: 1.DeafBlind Helen Keller National Center Act definition of deafblind. Vision test, hearing test not required; professional can attest that the person is deafblind. 9

Who is ‘DeafBlind’? Same meaning as Helen Keller National Center Act definition of deafblind. In general, the individual must have a certain vision loss and a hearing loss that, combined, cause extreme difficulty in attaining independence in daily life activities, achieving psychosocial adjustment, or obtaining a vocation. 10

2.Low income 400% of Federal Poverty Guideline Federal Poverty Guideline 2012 Household size400% 1$45,960 2$62,040 3$78,120 4$94,200 11

What kind of equipment? Hardware Software Applications Alerting devices needed to use the other equipment Accessories needed to use the other equipment Equipment upgrades, batteries, warranties 12

What kind of equipment? Off-the-shelf products that are accessible or adaptable Specialty equipment Screen enlargement software Screen readers Video Phones Braille displays 13

How will participants be selected? FIRST SELECTION CYCLE Applications received by October 15, 2012 were sorted by DHHS regions  Metro, Central, Northeast, Northwest, South  Selection of participants is rotated among all regions 14

How will participants be selected? Applications within each region sorted by priority. 1) Braille users chosen first. Why? Equipment is so expensive. 2) Children and youth. Alternate between adults and children when randomly choosing who will participate. 15

How will participants be selected? SECOND SELECTION CYCLE Applications received after October 15 will be put on the waiting list. If there is money left in Fiscal Year 2013 after the first selection cycle, the waiting list will be used for the second selection cycle. If there is no money left, the waiting list will be used in the first selection cycle of Fiscal Year

Who has been served so far? FIRST SELECTION CYCLE Metro total = 24 Adults: 20 Children: 4 Braille users: 4 adults, 1 child Greater MN total = 12 Adults: 10 Children: 2 Braille users: 1 17

Who has been served so far? FIRST SELECTION ROUND  # who have received equipment = 9  # who have completed assessment and waiting for equipment = 14  # who are waiting for assessment = 9  Oldest participant = 90 years old  Youngest participant = 3 years old  Highest cost equipment package = $11,000  Lowest cost equipment package = $800 18

How does a person apply? Each state has its own application process. In Minnesota: Fill out Minnesota application and send to Lee Clark. DHS-6630-ENG Application has three parts: 1) Application Form 2) Income Verification Form 3) Eligibility Certification Form 19

DHHS staff on iCanConnect-MN Lee Clark, Program lead Jan Radatz, Project lead Amy McQuaid, Supervisor Terry Schwankl, Accounting, Ordering DHHS regional office specialists 20

Resources and Materials 21

Resources and Materials DHS website – search “iCanConnect” 22

Resources and Materials Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 23

Contact Information Lee Clark Direct VP and voice: TTY: Secure Fax: