Nebraska Equipment Distribution Program (NEDP)
Description of the Nebraska Specialized
Telecommunications Equipment Program
The State of Nebraska is proud to present the Nebraska
Specialized Telecommunications Equipment Program (NSTEP). The goal of this
program is to provide monetary assistance to persons with disabilities.
These persons will then use the financial assistance to aid in the
purchasing of specialized telephone equipment such as amplifiers, signaling
devices and TTY/TTs.
The Nebraska State Legislature established the Nebraska Equipment
Distribution Program during the 1995 legislative session. The Public Service
Commission (PSC) was mandated to develop specific procedures necessary for
implementation of the program and is responsible for management of the
program.
In 1999, the legislature passed a bill that removed the income guideline
requirement. The equipment distribution program will issue a voucher of up
to $1,000 to deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and speech disabled persons.
Vouchers can only be used to purchase specialized telecommunication
equipment.
A voucher will be issued to approved applicants for the purchase of
telecommunication equipment. The equipment can be purchased from any
merchant selling the specialized devices. Coordinators for NEDP can provide
a list of vendors distributing the specialized telecommunication equipment.
The vendor can provide installation and training on the use of the
equipment. Additional training assistance is available through the Nebraska
Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
