FAQ

The Arizona Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (AzTEDP) is a program of the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH), a state agency.  AzTEDP distributes landline telephones, TTYs, speech devices, cell phone accessories, and telephone alerting devices at no charge to residents of the State of Arizona who need assistance communicating on the phone.

AzTEDP also helps train consumers on the Arizona Relay Service which empowers individuals to have independent telephone calls.

The Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind (including those with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss (CVHL)), and Speech-Impaired residents of Arizona qualify for free telecommunication equipment through AzTEDP.

Eligibility is determined by the professional’s evaluation (doctor, audiologist, hearing aid dispenser, etc.) who will a) legibly complete and sign the bottom section of the application, and b) indicate their professional credentials and c) mark the appropriate CERTIFYING CONDITION (Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing or Speech-Impaired).

This information will certify your need for a telecommunications device that will help improve your telecommunication challenges. 

Proof of United States legal residency (such as a photocopy of your passport, birth certificate, name change form, marriage certificate), as well as proof of residency in the State of Arizona is also required. Please see AzTEDP main page to print the required forms.

By law, any of the professionals listed below can sign your application form:

• Audiologist
• Hearing aid dispenser
• Medical doctor
• Nurse practitioner
• Speech-language pathologist (sometimes called a speech therapist)
• Vocational rehabilitation counselor (must have CRC)
• Doctor/Physician Assistant
• Dispensing Audiologist

Yes, equipment through AzTEDP is FREE to all Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind/CVHL, and Speech-Impaired Arizonans regardless of income.

The equipment is on loan to you. However, the equipment* becomes your personal property after the warranty ends. The equipment is yours to use as long as you need it. If you move out of ARIZONA, or stop using the equipment prior to the end of the 5th year, please return it to AzTEDP. Contact AzTEDP for a prepaid shipping authorization. *CapTel units will always remain State of Arizona property.

People who qualify for free telecommunications equipment through AzTEDP can receive one primary device and one secondary device. 

A primary device is a main piece of equipment which facilitates access to the actual communication on the telephone, such as a TTY (Teletypewriter), captioned telephone, amplified phone, or speech device. 

A secondary device is equipment that alerts the client to an incoming call. Examples are an audible ringing signaling device, a vibrating pager, or a light signaling device.

Once a completed application and the appropriate supporting documents are received, a voucher with instructions for redemption will be mailed to your home. If you choose a CapTel unit, it will be shipped via Fed Ex within a few days of the arrival of a complete application.

Voucher purchased equipment is loaned to you for as long as you need it. Depending upon the age of the device you received, you may be eligible for another new device. Please contact us for details. 

All voucher equipment has a warranty with the vendor you initially chose. Please contact the vendor who cashed your voucher and sent you your device.

Captioned telephones can be exchanged at any time through AzTEDP depending on availability.

The AzTEDP office is located at 100 N. 15th Ave, Suite. 104, Phoenix, AZ 85007 and is open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, excluding holidays.

ACDHH staff are working remotely, however clients can be seen in person upon advance request.  We can offer free demonstration and training on an appointment basis, and home visits are available on a case-by-case basis.

Please contact Vicki Thompson for remote assistance. You may also call 602-542-3365 (V), 602-761-9541 (VP) or 1-866-223-3412 (V).

You are responsible for making sure your equipment is properly used and maintained. Please read the manual that comes with your equipment.

You are also responsible to return equipment to AzTEDP if you move out of Arizona within the warranty period of the device, or if the equipment is no longer being used.

For amplified products, make sure the amplifier is turned on.

For CapTel, please only use the captions when needed as the state pays for each minute the captions are used.

• Malfunction: If the equipment broke down through normal use, repairs will be made at no cost to you. Voucher equipment has a warranty, so keeping a record of which business you chose as a vendor and your voucher number can be very helpful.
• Loss: If you lose your equipment, you are obligated to reimburse AzTEDP for its current value.
• Theft: If your equipment is stolen, give AzTEDP a copy of the police report. AzTEDP will gladly issue another device.

If you do not need your equipment for whatever reason, promptly return it to the AzTEDP office. Please do not leave it at any other location. Contact AzTEDP for FedEx shipping information. We will provide you with a shipping label at no cost to you.

If you have any questions, contact us:

(602) 542-3365 (V)
(602) 761-9541 (VP)
(866) 223-3412 (V)
aztedp@acdhh.az.gov

• Click HERE to print the appropriate application packet. This includes instructions, forms, and the equipment catalog. Please legibly fill out and sign Part C at the bottom of the application, and provide the applicant with the rest of the packet.
• You may also wish to keep a supply of application packets at your office. We will gladly send you an ample supply, or you can download them from our website. You may also direct potential applicants to the main AzTEDP phone number: 602-542-3365 or 1-866-223-3412 or Email: aztedp@acdhh.az.gov