Deaf Services

The Telecommunications Equipment Program (TEP) was established by state law to provide no- or low-cost adaptive phone equipment to any Maine resident who cannot use their home’s conventional telephone due to a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability. The program was established to assist low-income residents, and most clients pay nothing for the phone equipment they receive. Through a simple application process, DRM’s TEP staff determine which amplified, captioned, or voice-activated telephone and/or call signaler will best meet your needs.

Applying:
Step 1: Download and complete the application form (PDF)
Step 2: Send to DRM along with:

• Verification of disability (note from doctor, an audiogram, or diploma from deaf school) and;
• Proof of Household income for prior 12 months (tax returns, pay stubs, social security award letters, or bank statements).

DRM staff will assist you in selecting the best phone for your needs. Our staff provides virtual appointments, and we also assist with installation and training. If you find that the equipment does not meet your needs, DRM staff will assist you in selecting a different phone.

Through the TEP Lending Program, clients may keep the equipment for as long as you need or want it, but you cannot give it to someone else or take it out of the state of Maine. If your needs change or the equipment breaks down, DRM staff will work with you to resolve the issue by repairing or replacing your equipment.

For those whose income may put them above the program limit for no-cost assistance, we offer a “Cost-Share” option. Cost-Share allows individuals to pay a portion of the equipment cost, on a sliding scale, to purchase the equipment they need. As with no-cost equipment, we ship the equipment directly to you. However, the equipment is the client’s property, just as if it had been purchased from any store. If repairs or replacement needs arise, program staff can refer Cost-Share clients to the appropriate repair center or warranty process. The cost of repair or replacement for Cost-Share equipment is the individual’s responsibility.

TEP applicants who are over age 65 have the option of receiving a single telecoil-equipped hearing aid instead of a phone. There are additional requirements for applicants seeking a hearing aid: in addition to proof of disability and proof of income, applicants must also submit proof of age and a recent audiogram with their application. Program staff are available to answer any questions about the application process or eligibility.

Maine Relay (MERS) is a free statewide service that connects voice telephone users with individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened or have a speech disability. The service allows consumers to use specialized equipment (such as captioned telephone, TTY, VCO or HCO) to communicate with standard voice telephone users through specially trained relay operators (ROs). MERS includes 711, Relay Conference Captioning, IP Relay and Speech-to-Speech (STS) Relay. Maine Relay Service is available 24 hours a day, every day, 365 days a year. All calls are confidential. No records of any conversations are maintained.

The Maine Relay Outreach Program visits support groups, senior organizations, rotary clubs, medical organizations, businesses, professional groups, veteran’s organizations, and other agencies to share information and provide training on Maine Relay services, adaptive telephone equipment, and telecommunication access. Our staff can provide general information, one-on-one training and education for individuals interested in learning more about using Maine Relay. Virtual and in-person exhibits, presentations and demonstrations are provided at no cost.

Learn more: Telecommunications Relay Service Council

Peer Support Group (PSG) is a structured gathering for D/deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or non-verbal (hearing) adults with intellectual disabilities who use signs and gestures to communicate, as well as their caregivers, and families. PSG gatherings are conducted in a combination of American Sign Language and visual-gestural communication. The focus of these gatherings is to offer language immersion and enhancement communication skills through structured activities, for consumers, supporters and family. Meetings are held monthly.

Visual Gestural Communication (VGC) is useful to many people who need an alternative technique for expressing and understanding the needs and wants of other people in their environment. VGC is not a language like English or American Sign Language. It is a communication mode that uses gestures, facial expressions, and body language to communicate with people who have limited formal language. VGC training sessions are held throughout the state and are open to all – case managers, direct support professionals, family members, friends or other individuals.

These services are sponsored by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services .