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Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan Program

The Rhode Island Telephone Equipment Loan Program (ATEL) provides demonstrations, training and long term loan and device reutilization services of specialized telephone equipment to qualified individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, have a speech impairment, or who suffer from neuromuscular damage or disease, that hinders them from using a standard telephone.

Listed to the left is equipment available through ATEL. Other equipment may be identified and added to the list as new technology is developed.

Eligibility Guidelines ...

To receive equipment, the person MUST:

  • Be a resident of Rhode Island,
  • Have a speech, hearing or neuromuscular disability,
  • Have a single party telephone line,
  • Meet the following income criteria based upon 250% of the United States Department of Health & Human Services Annual Poverty Guidelines (guideline x 250% or 2.5). Please visit their website at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty.
    • Receive one or more of the following: food stamps, Medicaid, SSI, heating assistance, RiteCare, RIWorks (formerly Family Independence Program), general public assistance, RIPAE (assisting tiers 60% and 30%), or telephone lifeline service;

    - Or -

    • Household combined annual income is below the 250% poverty line.
Household Size
 
250% Poverty Line
1
  

$27,075 (2,256 monthly)

2
  

$36,425 (3,035 monthly)

3
  

$45,775 (3,814 monthly)

4
  

$55,125 (4,594 monthly)
5
  

$64,475 (5,372 monthly)

6
  

$73,825 (6,152 monthly)

7
  

$83,175 (6,931 monthly)

8
  

$92,525 (7,710 monthly)

 

The Certificate of Disability must be completed by one of the following ...

  • Doctor
  • Qualified staff member of the Office of Rehabilitation Services
  • Audiologist
  • Speech Pathologist
  • Qualified staff member of the RI School for the Deaf (if applicant attends school now or in the past)

NOTE: Your application cannot be processed until both the Application and the Certificate of Disability are received. If you need assistance, or if you have questions not asnwered on this website, contact us at the phone number listed here. (401) 421-7005 ext.357.