Specialized Phone Program
Keeping families, friends, and communities connected.
Eligibility for the Specialized Phone Program
The Specialized Phone Program is available for North Dakota residents facing challenges using the telephone due to severe hearing, speech, or physical impairments, including vision and cognitive difficulties. Applicants must currently have or be in the process of obtaining landline or cellular phone service and meet the income criteria.
What devices are covered?
Hearing
- Amplified landline phones with extra-loud ringers, corded or cordless
- CapTel captioned phones. Please see our FAQ Sheet about CapTel phone line and internet requirements.
- TTYs (text telephones)
- Cell phone amplifiers
- Ring signalers, such as lamp flashers and bed shakers
Speech
- Landline phones with outgoing speech amplification (for users with soft voices)
- TTYs
- Electrolarynx phones
Physical
- Switch-activated phones
- Voice-activated phones
- Cell phones with built-in accessibility features that have been customized to meet an individual’s functional needs
Vision
- Large-button landline phones with talking keys
- Memory dialers
- Voice dialers
- Cell phones with built-in accessibility features that have been customized to meet an individual’s functional needs
- Large-screen mobile devices
Memory
- Photo dialing
- GrandPad by Consumer
- Cellular
- Amazon Echo Show
Am I eligible if I don't live in North Dakota?
For those residing outside North Dakota, similar programs exist in each state. Contact your state’s Aging and Disabilities Resource Center to explore the specialized phone program available in your area. Keep in mind that eligibility requirements and equipment provisions vary among states, so connecting with your local resource center is essential for tailored assistance.
We helped Vita, 93, get a new phone through our Specialized Phone Program!
“I want to call you and thank you for your hard work last week. And I’m calling you from my new phone and I’m absolutely delighted… I thank you for being so kind to me.”
Apply for the Specialized Phone Program
Interested in our Specialized Phone Program? Please complete and submit an application!
The application can be completed and submitted online or can be downloaded from this page. Please choose whichever format you prefer, but only submit one application. If you would prefer to receive an application by mail or fax, please contact us. Individuals must complete the Condition of Acceptance form included with the application.
Other Ways To Apply
For questions, please contact ND Assistive
Phone: 800.895.4728
Email: TEDS@ndassistive.org