ATLANTA -- Georgia health officials say people with hearing loss or speech-related disabilities may be eligible for free equipment loans to help them communicate.
The Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program is open to Georgia residents who are at least five years of age, have home phone service, meet income eligibility requirements, and are certified by a health care professional as deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or speech disabled.
The program was established by the state Legislature in 2003. It's managed by the Georgia Public Service Commission and funded by a surcharge on Georgia business and residential land-based phone lines.
Available equipment includes text telephones; hands-free, amplified, and captioned telephones; visual alerts, and other devices to improve communications ability. Trainers help eligible users select the right equipment for their abilities, needs and preferences.
Associated Press