By Sara Coracero, MassEDP Outreach Manager
To millions of Americans, picking up the telephone and making a business or personal telephone call requires almost no effort at all. But for people with mobility disabilities, making a phone call from the regular phone can create an almost insurmountable obstacle to working either in an office or at home. Recognizing that all Massachusetts citizens deserve equal access to the telephone service, the State Legislature passed a law requiring telephone service providers to ensure that residents with a permanent disability have in-home access to telephones. The Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program (MassEDP) offers people with disabilities specialized phones for no cost or at a reduced cost, depending upon their income.
The MassEDP’s specialized phone equipment works well in and at-home office settings and gives people with disabilities an opportunity to become more self-sufficient. The phone models listed below are especially suited for people with mobility impairments.
The Clarity RC-200 model includes a voice-activated speakerphone that can answer calls with just the sound of the user’s voice. It also includes a wireless remote control module that provides access to many of the phone’s features from up to 40 feet away. The included voice-mail capabilities and unanswered call indicator make this full-featured phone the ideal work-at-home tool for people with all levels of mobility and dexterity loss.
The Polycom SoundPoint Pro Speakerphone is another telephone that is perfectly suited for the home-office environment. It includes a full-duplex speakerphone and a headset jack. Full duplex enables both parties on the call to speak simultaneously just as they can on a regular corded or cordless phone. Packed with additional features, this is the perfect telephone for people who have little or no mobility.
How Can I Get Phone Equipment?
If you are a Massachusetts resident with mobility disabilities you could be eligible for the MassEDP program. A representative can talk with you about your needs to determine which equipment is best for you.
To qualify for this program, you must meet the following requirements:
To learn more about the program or to obtain an application, please visit the MassEDP website at www.MassEDP.com or call an Equipment Program Specialist at 800-300-5658 Voice/TTY, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
February 2008
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