CTAP Equipment for Work, Schools, and Agencies

Amplified Phones, TTYs, and Other Specialized Telephone Equipment for Small Business

1. Individuals working for a small business or agency of no more than 14 full-time employees are eligible to apply for an amplified phone, TTY, or other specialized telephone free of charge for their own use at work.
2. Applicant must already be certified as eligible for equipment to use at home (even if you do not want the equipment for home use). If not already certified, fill out both a CTAP Application and a CTAP Small Business Application and return both forms together.
3. To apply for an amplified phone, TTY, or other specialized telephone equipment…
   (In order to view the CTAP Application Form, you must download Acrobat Reader 6.0 which includes a PDF Read Out Loud tool.)
   For home use: Fill out the 'CTAP Application Form'. Have the Form signed by an Authorized Certifying Agent.
   For use at work: Fill out the above and the 'CTAP Small Business Application'. Have the Form signed by your supervisor at work.
   Note: If you are already approved by CTAP to receive specialized telephone equipment for use at home, you only need to fill out the 'CTAP Small Business Application'.
4. Fax or mail both form(s) together to:

   DDTP/CTAP Consumer Affairs
   ATTN: Consumer Affairs Supervisor
   505 14th Street, Suite 400
   Oakland, California 94612
   FAX: (510) 302-1131

5. When your application has been approved, you will be certified as eligible to receive an amplified phone, TTY, or other specialized telephone equipment for use at home and/or work. Both are free.

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TTY Equipment for Non-Profit Agencies

As a result of state legislation, AB3369, non-profit agencies may be eligible to apply for TTY equipment to make their offices accessible to TTY callers. This part of the program does not include a TTY for an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing and who works for that agency. Such an employee can apply for a TTY in a separate program, "Specialized Telephone Equipment in the Workplace".

Non-profit agencies are eligible for a TTY at no charge when they serve customers who are deaf or hard of hearing on more than an incidental basis (at least 10% of the people served by the organization) and who need to be accessible by telephone to customers who use a TTY.

Non-profit agencies MUST be private and non-tax supported in order to qualify to receive a TTY free of charge from the CTAP.

For-profit businesses, hospitals, hotels, police and fire departments, and agencies funded by federal, city, and/or county government funds are NOT eligible to receive a TTY from the program. Some school programs may be eligible to receive TTY equipment from the program.

1. If you believe your non-profit agency is eligible for a TTY at no cost from the program, please send a letter on the organization’s letterhead.
2. The letter must include the following information:
1. The type of organization.
2. Source(s) of funding.
3. The number of TTYs that you require to serve consumers who use a TTY.
4. Justification for the number of TTYs requested.
5. If the organization is under contract with the Department of Social Services or the Department of Rehabilitation, provide documentation of such contract.
6. If the organization is a non-profit agency and tax-exempt under Section 501 (c) (3), provide the tax-exempt number.
7. The approximate number of deaf and hard hearing clients served and a description of the services provided to them.
8. The approximate percentage of clients who are deaf or hard of hearing as part of the total population served.
9. The number of organization staff who are deaf or hard of hearing.
10. The name, title and telephone number of the person who will be responsible for keeping track of the TTY equipment and ensure it is maintained in good working order.
3. Mail the letter of application to:
   
   DDTP/CTAP Consumer Affairs
   ATTN: Consumer Affairs Supervisor
   505 14th Street, Suite 400
   Oakland, California 94612

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TTY Equipment for California State Agencies and Schools

As a result of state legislation, SB 227, California state agencies and schools may be eligible to request TTYs at no cost. To be eligible the agency or school must meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. California state agencies having general contact with the public, approximately 10% of whom use TTYs.
2. Public schools/colleges/universities that can demonstrate that their request goes beyond an obligation to meet the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Eligibility determined on a case-by-case basis).
3. Day or residential school for the deaf.
4. School that has a program for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

If you believe your California state agency or school is eligible for a TTY at no cost from the program, please send a letter on the organization's letterhead.

1. The letter must include the following information:
   1. The type of organization.
   2. Source(s) of funding.
   3. The number of TTYs that you require to serve consumers who use a TTY.
   4. Justification for the number of TTYs requested.
   5. The approximate number of deaf and hard of hearing clients served and a description of the services provided to them.
   6. The approximate percentage of clients who are deaf or hard of hearing as part of the total population served.
   7. The number of organization staff who are deaf or hard of hearing.
   8. If the organization is a school, describe the supplementary educational program designed specifically for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
   9. The name, title and telephone number of the person who will be responsible for keeping track of the TTY equipment and ensure it is maintained in good working order.
2. Mail the letter of application to:

   CPUC Telecommunications Division
   Attn: Linda Gustafson
   505 Van Ness Avenue
   San Francisco, California 94102

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