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Programs for People with Disabilities

Vermont offers consumers with disabilities several programs to assist them in staying connected to the telephone system. These programs include:

• The Vermont Telecommunications Relay Service (VTRS)
• The Vermont Equipment Distribution Program (VT-EDP)
• Telephone discounts for people with deafness and hearing impairments
• Free directory assistance for people with visual impairments
• Low income Vermonters who have disabilities can enroll in the Lifeline telephone discount program to reduce the cost of their basic telephone service.

Vermont Telecommunications Relay Service (VTRS)

The Vermont Telecommunications Relay Service is a free service for all Vermonters, connecting deaf, hard-of hearing, deaf-blind and speech-disabled individuals with users of regular telephones. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Vermont's relay service has an extensive website with in-depth information about Relay's many features.

VTRS is funded through the Vermont Universal Service Fund.

Vermont Equipment Distribution Program (VT-EDP)

The Vermont Equipment Distribution Program provides free TTYs and other adaptive telephone equipment for people with disabilities who meet the program's income qualification guidelines. To qualify, applicants must have proof that they have a disability requiring adaptive telephone equipment to use the phone and income that is below 200 percent of poverty for their family size. The program will purchase equipment for qualified individuals up to $750 with the possibility of a waiver of the cap under certain circumstances.

The program is operated by the Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, which has more information about VT-EDP on their website.

You can also view the complete VT-EDP program guidelines ( pdf - 18 k).

Discounts for People with Deafness and Hearing Impairment

People with hearing impairments and deafness qualify for a 40 percent discount on the per-minute cost of in-state telephone calls (both local and in-state toll service). For more information about this discount contact your local telephone company or in-state toll call provider. If you have problems obtaining the discount or need more information contact the Department of Public Service.

Free directory assistance for people with visual impairments

People with blindness or visual impairment qualify for free in-state directoryassistance in Vermont. For more information about this discount contact your local telephone company or in-state toll call provider. If you have problems obtaining the discount or need more information contact the Department of Public Service.