TECHNOLOGY
Telecommunication Device Distribution Program (TDDP)
- Introduction to the TDDP: American Sign Language | Text Transcript
- Eligibility
- Application Forms
- Complete TDDP Equipment List with Descriptions
- Frequently Asked Questions About TDDP:
Get video of top 4 questions in American Sign Language (ASL). - Volunteer Organization Centers for TDDP
- Program Contact Information and Brochure
- Additional Resources
- We want to hear from you! Tell us how you like this TDDP webpage.
Introduction to TDDP
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Pennsylvania's Telecommunication Device Distribution Program (TDDP) provides specialized equipment, FREE, to eligible Pennsylvanians who have disabilities which impede them from having independent access to telephone services. People with disabilities includes people who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired, blind or have visual problems, have physical disabilities or intellectual disabilities. Created through PA ACT 34-1995, the TDDP is implemented by Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT), a program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, in conjunction with the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC).
TDDP Application Forms, choose below:
English (Word) | English (PDF)
To apply, download, print and complete the application. (Or you can contact us and we'll send an application in the mail.) Read the application carefully and fill everything out completely. You must include all of the required paperwork. If there is information or documents missing, the application process will be delayed. The required paperwork is listed on the application.
A Certification of a Disability is required, signed by a professional such as doctor, your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor or an audiologist. You must have a copy of your current phone bill to prove that you have a phone line in your home, a copy of a proof of income to show how much you money you earn, and proof that you live in Pennsylvania. Complete direction about the paperwork is on the application.
The application has a list of approved equipment. Review the list and to determine which equipment will meet your needs. If you're unsure about the equipment, contact us to discuss. We can even arrange to show you the equipment, or lend it to you if needed.
Eligibility
Has your income recently changed due to a layoff?
You may now qualify for TDDP.
If you did not meet the TDDP income guidelines before and recently have been laid off from your job, you may meet the current income guidelines based on your unemployment compensation. Consult your unemployment compensation award letter and the new TDDP income guidelines. Please contact TDDP with any questions.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a Pennsylvania resident with a disability or disabilities that prevent you from making and/or receiving phone calls independently;
- Be six years of age or older;
- Have individual gross income of 200% of the federal poverty level or less (low income);
- Have current telephone service; and
- Have the ability to learn how to use the requested device(s).
If you can answer YES to ALL of the above questions, you may be eligible for free equipment.
Updated—March 2009
2009-2010 Poverty Guidelines, Effective through December, 2009
| Size of Family Unit | Gross Income(200% of federal poverty level) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $21,660 |
| 2 | $29,140 |
| 3 | $36,620 |
| 4 | $44,100 |
| 5 | $51,580 |
| 6 | $59,060 |
| 7 | $66,540 |
| 8 | $74,020 |
Frequently Asked Questions About TDDP: Get video of top 4 questions in American Sign Language (ASL).
For more information, contact:
Lisa Troy
TDDP Program Coordinator
Voice: 800-204-7428
TTY: 866-268-0579
Voice: 215-204-5966
FAX: 215-204-9371
Email: TDDP@temple.edu
Telecommunication Device Distribution Program
A program of Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)
University Services Building, Suite 610
1601 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Brochures
TDDP Brochure - PDF version (480KB. For printing and distribution only. The brochure's information is a summary of the TDDP web pages.)
TDDP Brochure - En Español (Word - 76KB)
