Telecommunications Equipment Program (TEP)

The Telecommunications Equipment Program (TEP) was established by state law to provide ‘No’ or ‘Low’ cost adaptive telecommunications equipment to any Maine resident who cannot use their home’s conventional telephone due to a physical or cognitive disability. The program was established to assist low-income residents, and most clients pay nothing for the phone equipment they need.

Through a simple application process, the DRM's TEP staff will determine which amplified, captioned, or voice-activated telephone and call signaler will meet your needs.

To apply, download and complete the TEP application form. Once you have filled out your application, sign the form and send to to DRM, along with:

  • Verification of disability (note from doctor, an audiogram, or diploma from a school for the blind or Deaf)
  • Proof of current (within the past 12 months) household income for all family members (tax returns, pay stubs, Social Security award letters, or bank statements)

DRM's TEP staff will use the information in your application to select the best phone for you.

Once you are approved as a lending (no cost) client, we will send the phone directly to your home. Installation is easy; with amplified phones you just plug them into the phone and electrical outlets, and start making phone calls.

If the equipment does not meet your needs, DRM staff will do their best to find something that does through equipment exchange. As a lending client, you 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. Since the equipment belongs to the state program, you must give us your new address and phone number if you move. If you no longer need the equipment, you must return it to DRM (we can provide a UPS label so you don’t have to pay the shipping costs). If your needs change and you need a different type of phone, or if the equipment breaks down, we will send you a replacement along with a UPS label so that you can send the old equipment back to DRM at no cost to you.

If you are approved as a cost-share (low cost) client, you will pay a portion of the cost (on a sliding scale basis) of the equipment you need. We will send you an invoice that is payable by cash, check or money order. Once we receive your payment, we will ship the equipment directly to you. The equipment is yours, just as if you had purchased it from any store, and can be removed from the State of Maine. If your equipment needs repair, DRM staff will refer you to the appropriate repair center or warranty process. Many ‘low’ cost clients only pay $50 for equipment worth hundreds of dollars.

Some clients may be eligible to choose either an adaptive telephone OR a single telecoil-equipped hearing aid on a lending basis. In order to qualify to receive an aid, individuals must be over the age of 65 and meet income eligibility guidelines. Anyone who completes the TEP application process and appears eligible for the hearing aid option will be contacted with an acceptance letter and further information by DRM staff. There is currently a waiting list for this program, and we are always accepting applications. For more information about the program, guidelines, the waiting list, or to request an application, please contact DRM. Our staff is also available to assist with the application process or answer any questions you may have.

 Resources

Assistive Technology for Effective Distance Communication

View Presentation

In this webinar, participants will learn about:

  • Maine Relay and the variety of services that help people with disabilities use the telephone.
  • How Maine’s Telecommunication Equipment Program helps low-income Mainers stay connected.
  • The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Program and the equipment, training, and support that is available for low-income Mainers who experience a combination vision and hearing loss.

Presenters

  • Debra Bare-Rogers
  • Lisa Penney
  • Scott Murray

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