MASSACHUSETTS TELEPHONE ACCESS PROGRAM (MTAP).

The Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) has recently become a distributor for the Massachusetts Telephone Access Program (MTAP). MTAP offers free or reduced cost telephones to those with permanent disabilities, including impairments in cognitive function, hearing, vision, motion and , s speech, who need specialized phone equipment. For those who earn less than $50,000 a year the equipment is free. A person making over $50,000 would pay a reduced rate. Massachusetts residency and access to residential telephone service are required.

The Disability Verification Form is included in the application. Applicants who have had their disability certified by the Mass Commission for the Blind, Mass Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, or the Mass Rehab. Commission are not required to file the Disability Verification Form. For those who do not have this certification, the application and the completed disability verification form (filled out by a physician) must be submitted and will be forwarded to the appropriate agency to verify. Once it is certified by the agency the application will be processed by BCIL. This process takes around 21 days.

Once approved, customers may choose their own phone and test it at BCIL. Some of the available phones are amplified, hands-free, memory phones, signalers, speech aids and TTY telephones. Customers can also choose two accessories to complement their equipment. The client then owns the phone for their lifetime. BCIL will repair or replace the phone if it breaks for reasons other than negligence.

The MTAP program is run through Verizon’s Center for Customers with Disabilities, but applicants do not have to have Verizon as their carrier. A copy of the first page of a phone bill will be required so that Verizon can confirm Massachusetts residency. The bill does not have to be in the clients name. The Boston Center for Independent Living is a distributor and can work proactively with clients to ensure they can get the telephone equipment that works best for their individual needs. One telephone is allowed per customer, per lifetime. This program is funded through a surcharge on all local phone bills. Applications are available by contacting the Community Resource Center.

Documentation of immigration status and/or a social security number are NOT required for eligibility.

08/2004