OKLAHOMA EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM

Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

PURPOSE

This program is formally known as the Telecommunications Program of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. The program was established by legislation in 1986 as an accessibility program for Oklahomans that have hearing or speech problems that make it difficult for them to access the telephone. The Oklahoma Equipment Distribution Program can provide one amplified or text telephone, ring signalers, and other types of equipment to Oklahomans who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired, or deaf-blind, regardless of age. This program also operates the Senior Citizen Hearing Aid Program, as described on Page 56, the Children’s Hearing Aid Program and Specialized Speech Devices. Based on income eligibility, a sliding scale co-payment may apply.

CONTACT

Ray Willingham, Services to the Deaf Specialist

Equipment Distribution Program

1100 E Oklahoma St

Sulphur, OK 73086-3108

Oklahoma School for the Deaf

(866) 327-9986 (Video Ph)

Deanna Atnip, Admin. Asst.

1100 E Oklahoma St

Sulphur, OK 73086-3108

(580) 622-8812 (V/TDD)

(866) 309-1717 (V/TDD)

(888) 327-9986 (Video Ph)

FAX: (580) 622-5850

www.okreha.org

FINANCIAL CRITERIA

• Income eligbility, based on number in household.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible, a person must:

• Be a resident of the State of Oklahoma.

• Provide verification of:

• Hearing or speech impairment with loss severe enough requiring the use of a TDD or amplifier to use the telephone.

• Income may be verified.

• List any other contributing disability (i.e., blindness, visual impairment, physical disability, etc.) This must be verifiable.

• Requests for Captioned Telephones (CapTel) require an audiogram.

AT SERVICES PROVIDED/COVERED

• Information & Referral

• Training for Consumer & Family

AT DEVICES PROVIDED/COVERED

Aids for Hearing Impaired Augmentative Communication

APPLICATION PROCESS

• CONTACT the Oklahoma School for the Deaf (866) 309-1717 and request an application form. Applications are also available online at: www.osd.k12.ok.us/edp/indexhtml.

 APPEALS PROCESS

1. There is no appeals process. A person is determined eligible based on proof of disability. Equipment is distributed as funds are available.

2. If there is a question regarding an individual receiving equipment, questions should be brought to Traci Prince-Oklahoma School for the Deaf, Mr. Hawkins, or Mike O’Brien.

PIECES OF THE PUZZLE

• Funds for this program are limited; therefore applicants may be placed on a waiting list for services.

• Individuals who have an income above the allotted guideline contribute to the program based on a sliding scale. Family income and number of people in the family are used to determine costs for each individual.

• If you are in need of assistance with setting up your equipment, you may request program staff to come to your home. You may CONTACT Ray Willingham at (866) 327-9986 (Video Ph) or email: rdwillingh@drs.state.ok.us.

• The program also has a demonstration lab at Total Source for Hearing-loss and Access (TSHA) in Tulsa where you may visit and try out equipment. CONTACT TSHA (918) 832-8742 to make an appointment. (See Section IV, Page 110)