Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program is here to keep telephones an integral part of your daily life, providing free assistive telecommunications equipment to qualified residents of the State of Maryland.

MAT distributes free amplified phones, ring signalers, TTYs and other assistive devices to qualified applicants who have difficulty using the telephone. To qualify, applicants must currently be receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), TDAP (Temporary Disability Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), VA (Veterans), SSA (Social Security) benefits or Pharmacy, Medical or Housing Assistance. They may be deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, speech or mobility disabled. For detailed information about MAT, contact Maryland Relay Customer Service.

The Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program is part of the Telecommunications Access of Maryland (TAM) unit within the Maryland Department of Information Technology, which oversees Maryland Relay.

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION (PDF file).

Answers to many questions about the MAT program such as: who qualifies, how to apply, what kind of equipment is available, and more may be found below!

• Be a Maryland resident
• Be at least 5 years old, (persons under 18 must have application signed by parent or legal guardian)
• Be a recipient of SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), TDAP (Temporary Disability Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), VA (Veterans), SSA (Social Security) benefits or Pharmacy, Medical or Housing Assistance.
• Be certified as having one of the following disabilities: mobility, blind, low vision, cognitive, DeafBlind, speech, deaf or hard of hearing, and have difficulty using a standard telephone.
• Have telephone service in your home or apply for phone service

• Call 1-800-552-7724 voice /TTY to request an application.
• Fill out the application.
• Mail or take Part 4 of your application, the ‘Disability Certification Form,’ to either a licensed physician, audiologist, speech pathologist, or rehabilitation counselor. This person, acting within the scope of his or her license, will certify that you have a disability that inhibits your use of a regular phone, and that you can benefit from this program.
• Read and sign all forms. (Minors must have a parent or guardian co-sign all forms.)
• Enclose a copy of the "Award Letter" from Social Security Administration if you receive Social Security, SSI or SSDI, or a photo copy of your most recent check.
• Mail the completed application to:

• Please note: If your form is not properly signed or is incomplete in any way, this will delay your request for equipment.

The MAT program is for individuals whose disability prevents them from using the telephone without an assistive device. No two people are alike and neither are their abilities or disabilities. We expect the professional certifying the disability to help you determine which type of equipment will be best for you. If there is a doubt, you may request an opportunity to evaluate and determine the most appropriate equipment, at no cost to you.

After our office receives your application, it will be reviewed for completeness. Once you are approved, a letter of "congratulations" will be mailed to you. You should receive your equipment within 4 to 5 weeks.

If your application is incomplete, you will receive a letter asking for more information. Once all the information is received in our office, the review of your application will begin.

Once you receive a letter of "congratulations," your equipment will be delivered to your home via UPS. If you have not received your package after 6 weeks, please contact the Equipment Coordinator at the MAT office by calling 1-800-552-7724 (voice/TTY)

Most of the equipment provided through the MAT program has a warranty. Information about the warranty will be enclosed with your equipment. If you have problems with the device during the warranty period, call the MAT office. You will be advised to what steps to take to send it for repair. When you do, be sure to enclose a note stating that it is MAT equipment, along with your name and mailing address and an explanation of the problem you are having with the device. Repairs under warranty will be free of charge, unless the device has been abused or misused. If the damage is a result of misuse or abuse, you must pay for the shipping and repairs or the cost of replacing the equipment. All equipment is the property of the State of Maryland and is on "long term loan" to you. If you are moving outside the State of Maryland, the equipment must be returned to the MAT office prior to your move, or you will have to pay the full price of the equipment.

Yes, individuals will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In addition to filling out the standard application form, please send the following information:

• COPY of ONE of these:
• Last 2 pay stubs
• Unemployment pay stubs, OR
• Last year’s income tax form
• COPY of your telephone bill (or other Utility Bill)
• COPY of your Photo ID, driver’s license or identification card

Please do not send originals.

Free training on the use of your equipment will be provided, if necessary. You may arrange for training by contacting the MAT office or by checking the box on your "Notification of Receipt of Equipment and Training" form enclosed with your new equipment.

Where can I go if I want to buy it myself?

I want a special phone, but I want to buy it myself. The following is a list of vendors who sell assistive phones:

Potomac Technology, Inc.
http://www.potomactech.com

Freedom Systems, LLC
http://freedomsystemsllc.com

Griffin Laboratories
http//www.griffinlab.com

HITEC Group International, Inc.
http://www.hitec.com

Independent Living Aids, Inc.
http://www.independentliving.com

Logic Mark
http://www.logicmark.com

TelTex, Inc.
http://www.teltex.com

Voicewave Technology, Inc.
http://www.speechenhancer.com