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I Can Connect

We administer the iCanConnect program in Colorado. iCanConnect is sometimes called the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP).

In 2012, iCanConnect enabled our Community Technology Program to expand its telecommunications service by providing qualified deafblind individuals with modern telecommunication tools. 

These tools allow two-way communication between deafblind individuals and their community members. Technology includes smartphones, laptops, braille devices, and much more.  

To be eligible for iCanConnect, you must meet the program’s disability and income eligibility guidelines.


Additionally, a professional must attest that the applicant's combined hearing and vision loss meets the program’s definition. Examples of professionals include a community service provider, educator, healthcare provider, vision or hearing professional, vocational rehabilitation counselor, or medical or health professional.

Link to Medical Form/Certification

 

Guideline definitions

Vision Loss

Defined by one of the following: 

  • Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses
  • A field defect such that the peripheral diameter of the visual field is no greater than 20 degrees
  • Progressive visual loss with a prognosis leading to one or both of above conditions

Hearing loss 

Defined by one of the following: 

  • Chronic hearing disabilities so severe that most speech cannot be understood with optimum amplification
  • Progressive hearing loss having a prognosis leading to above condition

Income eligibility

In addition to significant vision and hearing loss, your household must be within 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify for iCanConnect. See below for the guidelines chart.

Two options

There are two ways to prove income eligibility:

  1. Documentation of current enrollment in a federal program with the same income eligibility requirement—such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), federal public housing assistance or Section 8, food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit.
     
  2. Documentation that all household income is within 400% of the federal poverty guidelines.
     
Number of persons in a family/householdMaximum Income
1$62,600
2$84,600
3$106,600
4$128,600
5$150,600
6$172,600
7$194,600
8$216,600
for each additional person, add$22,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you meet the eligibility requirements, download the application.

  • You can complete and sign the application digitally.
  • You can print the application and fill it out by hand.
  • You can request an application to be mailed to you in print or Braille. 
    • Please note - part of the application is a disability verification that needs to be completed by a medical professional.

 

I Can Connect (DeafBlind Devices Application) (PDF)

 

 

The iCanConnect equipment page provides an overview of the types of distance communication equipment the program can provide to stay connected to friends, family, and the world. The list is updated on a quarterly basis.

iCanConnect Equipment

Equipment categories:

  • Accessories
  • Braille Devices
  • Computers
  • Mobile Devices
  • Phones
  • Signalers
  • Software

iCanConnect professionals will work with participants to identify each person’s specific needs. 

 

Communications Technology Program

CTP.CCDHHDB@state.co.us

 

JoAnne Hirsch, Manager

joanne.hirsch@state.co.us

P 303-866-2097

VP 720-949-7457