Kansas Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution--Assistive Technology for Kansans (iCan Connect) - Assistive Technology for Kansans

The Federal Communications Commission established “a National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) to certify and provide funding to entities in each state so that they can distribute specialized customer premises equipment (CPE) to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind. These individuals need such specialized CPE to effectively access telecommunications service, Internet access service, and advanced communications, including interexchange services and advanced telecommunications and information services.” Advances in technology have dramatically changed the way in which Americans communicate. The wide variety of digital and Internet based voice, text, and video communication methods allow individuals to achieve greater independence, productivity, safety and security. The creation of these technologies has enabled Americans to use new ways to find employment, purchase products, and engage in the civil and social life of their communities. However, these new technologies have remained largely unavailable to or inaccessible for Americans who are deaf-blind.