Introduction
You can download an application form directly from the CTAP website at: www.ddtp.org/CTAP or you can request that an application be mailed to you by calling the CTAP Call Center at (800) 806-1191. Once completed the application may be faxed, mailed or submitted in person.
Again, the number to call for the hearing-impaired telephones is:
(800) 806-1191
The California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) is an equipment loan and network services program mandated by the state of California to provide special equipment to individuals that have difficulty using standard telephone equipment. This program is offered at no cost to the individual and is funded by a surcharge that is billed to all California telephone customers under the label of “CA Relay Service and Communications Devices Fund.” The CTAP falls under the governance of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
To be eligible for the equipment offered through this program, the individual must reside in California, currently have residential telephone service (although it does not need to be in their name) and must be certified as having one of the following disabilities, either temporarily or permanently:
• Cognitive
• Hard of Hearing
• Deaf / Late-Deafened
• Speech Impairment
• Low Vision / Blind
• Mobility / Manipulation
The condition must be verified and certification for the application process must be made by a California licensed medical doctor or clinical audiologist, a qualified state agency such as the California Department of Rehabilitation, or a hearing aid dispenser.
Types of Equipment and Services Offered
The program offers only one set of specialized equipment for a customer’s use. The types of equipment offered through the CTAP, includes:
• Amplifiers
• Braille TTYs
• Fax Machines
• Headsets
• Ring Signal Devices
• Speech Devices
• Switches
• Special Telephones
• TTYs
• Accessories
The network services that the CTAP offers at no charge for its customers include: Three-Way Calling, Speed Dial 8 and Speed Dial 30. Three-Way Calling is offered for customers who have speech or motion difficulties. The Speed Dial services are offered to those customers suffering from low vision, mobility and/or cognitive disabilities.
The Application Process
Once it has been determined that an eligible individual could benefit from this program, a short application needs to be filled out. The application is divided into two parts. Part A needs to be filled out providing some basic information about the individual requesting the special equipment or services. Part B must be filled out by a certifying agent verifying the condition that the individual suffers from.
You can download an application form directly from the CTAP website at: www.ddtp.org/CTAP or you can request that an application be mailed to you by calling the CTAP Call Center at (800) 806-1191. Once completed the application may be faxed, mailed or submitted in person.
After the application has been submitted and approved, a CTAP Call Me Letter will be sent out. The letter will request that a call be placed to the CTAP Call Center so that the needs of the individual can be reviewed and then matched to the equipment or services that will best assist the individual.
Sometimes, a combination of special equipment and services will be provided. Training on the specific equipment and/or services is also offered. Additionally, the CTAP may be able to provide a Field Visit when an individual is unable to go to one of the CTAP Service Centers or is in need of additional assistance.
Staying Connected
Today telephone service is deemed more as a necessity rather than a luxury. It is a means to reach out and connect with friends and family as well as a way to ask for assistance when needed. In an emergency, it can be a lifesaver.
Having the proper equipment and services is essential for your loved ones to stay connected to the outside world and can be provided for free by the CTAP program.
At A Servant’s Heart Senior Care, we work to provide you with the most up-to-date information on public programs and community services that are available to assist older adults. Most home care companies provide only caregiving services, but we offer both caregiving and professional geriatric care management so that you have expert care and advice in one resource! For additional information, call us toll free at 1-800-777-4750.
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Great information. Thank you for sharing it 
would like to know if a amphfide phone is available for use in a car i do have one from you for the home it work great please advise thank you Jim Austin
Hi Jim -
Thanks for asking! As far as I know, the CTAP program only provides phones for home use, not mobile or car phones. However, I could be wrong about that. The best thing to do is to contact the CTAP program people directly using the contact info that we provided in the article.
- Tim
My wife has a hard time getting around. Do you have cordless phones for the hard of hearing?
Hi Kenneth – Thanks for asking! The CTAP program has free cordless phones for all hearing-impaired California residents. Call CTAP at (800) 806-1191 for more information.
- Tim
My Dad is hard of hearing due to years of working in a loud environment. I saw a commercial on tv and I’m not sure if this is the same program. Is there a device that puts in writing somehow what is being said in a phone conversation? He rarely can hear what I’m saying on the phone and I’m looking for a solution for him. He actually lives in Washington State, so I understand that he wouldn’t be eligible for this program, but I want to know what is out there for him that I could look into. Thank you for your help!
will I be able to recieve 2 phones, one for the bedroom and one for the living room?
All your questions can be answered by calling the CTAP program office at (800) 806-1191 and asking the people there. Good luck!
I am having truble hearing the other person’s word on the phone. Can I get a phone that has a small screen so I can read instead? my problem is understanding the words.
You will have to call the CTAP program office at the number shown in the article. Interesting idea, though.