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Inside InformationFall-Winter 2007/2008 Contents:
Program Makes Telephone Communication EasierPennsylvania's Telecommunication Device Distribution Program (TDDP), a new program at the Institute on Disabilities, provides free equipment to eligible Pennsylvanians with disabilities who do not have independent access to telecommunications. Originally created in 1995, the TDDP is now implemented by Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) as of July 2007. William A. Gannon, Executive Director of Pennsylvania's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) says, "OVR looks forward to the creativity that will be brought to the TDDP program by the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. OVR is a committed partner in continuing to meet the needs of Pennsylvanians who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have other disabilities that interfere with using the telephone." The TDDP provides specialized telecommunication devices, such as text telephones, amplified telephones and hands-free headsets, at no charge to qualifying persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, who have speech disorders, or who have a physical disability that prevents them from using standard communication equipment. Applicants must meet financial eligibility, having gross incomes of less than 200% of the federal poverty level. "This program builds upon the Commission's goal to ensure that everyone who wishes to communicate via telephone has the ability to do so," said Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chairman Wendell F. Holland. "By providing this equipment free of charge to those who qualify, Pennsylvania's TDDP is taking an important step to ensuring people with disabilities have the tools they need to communicate." Devices available include Voice Carry Over TTY with Loud Adjustable Ringer, CapTel Telephone, In-Line Amplifier, Large Button Speaker Phone, Talking Telephone, Photo Phone and more. "I believe this program is important for people with disabilities," says Representative Merle Phillips, a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and prime sponsor of the legislation that established the program. "With this law, many residents who were once dependent upon family members and friends now have personal access to telephone service." To qualify, applicants must meet income and disability requirements, prove Pennsylvania residency, be at least six years of age, currently have telephone service and be able to learn how to use the telecommunication device. For more information, call the TDDP Program Coordinator, 800-204-7428 (voice), 866-268-0579 (TTY) or email TDDP@temple.edu. To download the application, log on to http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/piat What consumers are saying about TDDP:
Meet the TDDP StaffSandra McNally is the TDDP's Program Manager. She is also Information & Referral / Special Projects Coordinator for PA's Initiative on Assistive Technology. Ms. McNally is involved in advocacy, outreach and guidance to identify and obtain appropriate AT devices and services. This includes the borrowing of assistive devices through PA's AT Lending Library. She is the mother of two children with disabilities and received a master's degree from Temple University. Amanda Reinsfelder, MA, ATP serves as the Consumer Educator for the TDDP helping people to understand their device options and to use the equipment they receive. She is the Assistive Technology Specialist for Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT), and conducts demonstrations to help people choose appropriate assistive technology. Lisa Troy is TDDP Coordinator, responsible for screening and processing all TDDP applications. Much of her career has been in healthcare administration and customer service. Ms.Troy is a continuing education student at Temple University, with a concentration in Social Administration. Message From The Director
During the fall, we will also take part in, and enjoy, the first Independence Starts Here: A Festival of Disability Arts and Culture, hosted by the City of Philadelphia. The festival culminates with the dedication of the city's latest mural which features the image of our very own staff member, Carol Marfisi. Be sure to take advantage of the great art and culture about, for and by people with disabilities! Diane Nelson Bryen, PhD Professor and Executive Director Our VisionA society where all people are valued and respected, and where all people have the knowledge, opportunity and power to improve their lives and the lives of others. Our MissionThe Institute on Disabilities leads by example, creating connections and promoting networks within and among communities so that people with disabilities are recognized as integral to the fabric of community life. DONORSMany thanks to our friends listed below for supporting the Institute on Disabilities and our special funds... Institute on Disabilities
Friends of ACES
Assistive Technology Lending Library
NEW PRODUCTUnder Arrest—Understanding the Criminal Justice Process in Pennsylvania, a new DVD and companion educational guide has just been completed by the Institute on Disabilities and will available for purchase in November. The Institute's Criminal Justice Coordinator and co-producer of the DVD, Beverly Frantz, says that the primary goal of this project is to educate the general public about the criminal justice system in Pennsylvania. "It's a step-by-step review of the process—from the arrest, through the preliminary arraignment, preliminary hearing, arraignment, trial, sentencing and possible incarceration." Funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council and filmed in Bucks County Pennsylvania, the 30-minute DVD illustrates the criminal justice system from the perspective of law enforcement, judiciary and corrections. TO ORDER THE DVD AND COMPANION EDUCATIONAL GUIDE, PLEASE EMAIL: iod@temple.edu The Pennsylvania Training Partnership for People with Disabilities and FamiliesFor information on trainings for self-advocates and families in Pennsylvania, log on to The Partnership website at www.TheTrainingPartnership.org. Suggestions or Comments About Our Newsletter?Contact Susan Fullam, Dissemination Coordinator, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University: sfullam@temple.edu. Available in alternate formats, upon request. Para información en español: 215-204-9348 o por correo electrónico al latino@temple.edu Institute on Disabilities at Temple University |
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I am pleased to introduce our newest program called the Telecommunication Device Distribution Program or "TDDP." This is an important program which distributes FREE telecommunications equipment to eligible people with disabilities throughout Pennsylvania. The program has already changed lives! Several training programs are scheduled this fall, so you can come, visit and learn about the program and the equipment.