Free TTY’S And Amplified Phones Now Available at DuPage CIL

DCIL has become one of 30 Selection Centers throughout the state that are partnering with the Illinois Telecommunication Access Corporation (ITAC) to assist consumers in selecting telecommunication equipment.

 ITAC’s longest running program segment is the TTY loan program.  This year the loan program is beginning its transition to a voucher program in which consumers will be eligible for a voucher for a free TTY every 4 years.  Upon joining the voucher program, consumers who already have a TTY from the loan program will have the option of keeping their TTY for $35 or returning the TTY.  All people who have a TTY from the loan program will be phased into the voucher program over the next four years.  All new TTY participants will automatically go into the voucher program.  The TTY currently in the voucher program is the Ultratec Superprint 4425.  You can come test one out at the Center.  

Free Amplified Phones

The most recent addition to ITAC’s voucher program is the amplified phone.  People with hearing loss may qualify for a voucher for one of four amplified telephones available. People wishing to apply should visit an ITAC Selection Center, such as DuPage CIL, to test the phones.  Testing the phones is an important step in determining the phone that will best meet a person’s specific needs.

 Unlike ITAC’s Equipment Loan Program, the free equipment that a consumer receives through the voucher program becomes the property of the consumer, who will be responsible for contacting the equipment vendor for all warranty and repair services.  People in the voucher program may be eligible to receive a new voucher every four years.  

While ITAC continues to offer the Braille Phone and the TTY with LVD in its loan program, the newest piece of loaned equipment is the CapTel (captioned) telephone.  The CapTel allows a person with a hearing loss to dial directly to the party s/he wishes to call.  In the process, the caller and the party will be automatically connected to a captioning service where an operator will repeat word for word what the party is saying and the words will be displayed on the screen of the CapTel phone for the caller to read.  People calling a CapTel user may dial 711 to request CapTel and will be directed to dial the CapTel user’s phone number.  Neither the caller nor the party will be able to tell that the captioning center is involved in the call.  This telephone is good for people who have a hearing loss and have good speech skills.   You can try one of these and see if it works for you at DCIL.

To qualify for ITAC’s equipment programs, an applicant must have:

1)  A working land line phone service in their residence,

2)  Their disability certified by a Physician, Audiologist, or DHS Counselor,

3)  and be a legal resident of Illinois

Applications and additional information about ITAC and its programs may be obtained by contacting Sara Bianco, Jackie Fonorow or Kim Liddell at DuPage CIL 630.469.2300 V/TTY or by contacting ITAC at 800.841.6167 V/TTY

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