Updated on 12/15/22
Over the years we’ve received many, many questions — some of the absolutely heartbreaking — from readers who ask which Lifeline Assistance companies offer special devices for customers who are hearing, vision or speech-impaired.
At one time the Federal Communications Commission did not require cell phone service providers to offer certain devices for those with disabilities. Its haphazard regulations created a confusing hodgepodge of solutions. Each service provider decided which equipment to offer and some offered none at all.
But contrary to popular belief, the government does do something right every once in a while and this is one of those times. The FCC has acted decisively and turned those old rules (or more accurately, perhaps, the lack of rules) upside down. It now requires all communications companies to offer the same roster of hearing, vision, and speech-impairment products and services. All the changes are contained in an official announcement the FCC calls Section 255 of the Communications Act.
Please allow us to quote directly from the source:
Telecommunications Access for People with Disabilities
FCC rules under Section 255 of the Communications Act require telecommunications equipment manufacturers and service providers to make their products and services accessible to people with disabilities, if such access is readily achievable. Where access is not readily achievable, manufacturers and service providers must make their devices and services compatible with peripheral devices and specialized customer premises equipment that are commonly used by people with disabilities, if such compatibility is readily achievable.
Products and services covered under Section 255
FCC rules cover all hardware and software telephone network equipment and telecommunications equipment used in the home or office. Such equipment includes telephones, wireless handsets, fax machines, answering machines and pagers.
FCC rules cover basic and special telecommunications services, including regular telephone calls, call waiting, speed dialing, call forwarding, computer-provided directory assistance, call monitoring, caller identification, call tracing and repeat dialing, as well as voice mail and interactive voice response systems that provide callers with menus of choices.
Want to know more? Well, the FCC has you covered. The same press release that announced all these new hearing, speech, and vision-impaired regulations, includes a comprehensive Q&A that tells you everything you need to know. Well, almost everything.
When must manufacturers and service providers evaluate access needs?
Manufacturers and service providers must evaluate the accessibility, usability and compatibility of their equipment and services as early and consistently as possible throughout their design, development and manufacture. In addition, companies must review their products for accessibility at every “natural opportunity,” including when they re-design products, upgrade services, or significantly change the way they group together product and service packages. Cosmetic changes that do not change the product’s actual design may not trigger the need to reevaluate access.
Do companies need to review all their products and services for accessibility and usability?
Yes. Accessibility and usability must be assessed for individual products and services. Accessibility features that can be incorporated into the design of products or services with very little or no difficulty or expense must be put in each and every product or service.
How will the FCC determine which actions are readily achievable?
The “readily achievable” standard requires companies to incorporate access features that are easily accomplishable without much difficulty or expense. In determining what is readily achievable, companies must balance the costs and nature of the access required with their available resources. Companies that have great resources will need to do more to achieve access than companies with smaller budgets.
The FCC will make readily achievable determinations on a case-by-case basis.
Is network architecture covered by the FCC’s Section 255 rules?
In addition to covering equipment and services, the FCC’s rules require network architecture to be designed in a way that does not hinder access by people with disabilities. Network architecture covers the public switched telephone network, and includes hardware or software databases associated with routing telecommunications services.
How can I contact manufacturers and service providers about access concerns?
Although not required to do so, you may want to contact a manufacturer or service provider before filing a complaint with the FCC. Telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers must provide the FCC with the name and contact information of the person (or persons) in their companies who are authorized to resolve accessibility complaints. The FCC makes this information available to consumers who want to contact the company’s customer care representative directly about accessibility questions, concerns, or complaints. You can find this contact information on the FCC’s website at http://apps.fcc.gov/rccci-search/, by sending an email to dro@fcc.gov, or by calling 202-418-2517 (voice) or 202-418-2922 (TTY).
This has been a very good year for those who are hearing, vision or speech-impaired.
First the FCC introduced the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offered all Lifeline customers unlimited talk, unlimited texts, and unlimited internet. Now it’s come back with this great news for hearing, speech, and vision-impaired customers.
We’d love to hear from our hearing, speech or vision-impaired customers. Tell us what this means to you and your ability to interact with the world. Does it sound helpful? What about your interaction with any Lifeline/ACP company? Did they give you the help you needed? Did they give you the equipment you needed? Tell us who gets a gold star and who doesn’t.
A lot of other potential customers need to know.
Mackenzie says
I hearing impaired I want know if there cell phone for hearing impaired?
Free Government Cell Phones says
C’mon, Mackenzie, you asked “if there are cell phones for the hearing impaired” directly under an article headlined “Which free government cell phones offer special devices for the hearing, vision and speech-impaired.” Someone went to a lot of trouble researching and writing that article. The least you can do is read it.
David Fishman says
My mother 94 years old has moderate dementia, and is hard of hearing
Free Government Cell Phones says
Assuming that she qualifies for a Lifeline plan, you can find all the providers and plans available in your state here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
To find out if she qualifies, check this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Karl Anderson says
Hi, my Dad is hearing and vision impaired. Do you have a wireless phone that would help him.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t have any phones because we are not a Lifeline service provider, Karl. This is an independent informational website and is NOT affiliated with any Lifeline free government cell phone service provider.
You need to get in touch with the service providers in your state to find out what each of them offers. You can find all the providers and plans available in your state here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Sandra Keener says
I need help with this phone get set up different. My son’s phone is difficult for him to use he can’t read or write. Needs more a picture phone easier for him to do. No lock codes or passwords he can’t manage. He has mental disabilities but needs a phone for when he’s out to keep contact especially emergency or to get ahold of family. Or play Wii games on? Is there anything else available for him in government phone. Hearing is great but needs simplify. He’s Carl James Keener. But I have to help him with all this due to speech problems
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are unaware of any free government cell phones with that capability, but you should speak to customer service at some of the service providers to see if they can give you any help.
Readers? Any ideas for Sandra?
Becky says
I’m looking for a cell phone for my husband. He is blind and has been from birth. Need something he can use I’m having some issues also and my sister that lives with me is also blind what can you help us with.
Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
“We” can’t help you with a phone because we are not a Lifeline service provider. Contact the companies in your state to find out about their individual plans for the visually-impaired. Here’s where you can find them:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Eddie says
Comment part II. You advised a hearing impaired individual here after he told you he could not hear the persons trying to assist him that there were on line programs available. Here it is again, the hearing offering the deaf useless advice, although I’m sure it was unintentional. You should have done a little more research before dispensing advise. I tried the online route as that I am not able to place a voice call. Filled out application until I got to the part where the provider DEMANDS a phone nbr. A deaf person has no phone nbr. Or if they do, it is not a voice call nbr. They call that nbr and if the deaf person is using a TYY, the deaf person does not know anyone is calling unless a). They have asn advanced TYY type phone and B). They are sitting in front of phone watching the notification of incoming light blink. So, a deaf person is supposed to apply online, sit in front of their TYY phone for weeks or months waiting for the indicator light to blink? Or, the deaf person when attempting to apply online has a cell phone as in my case and I enter my cell phone nbr, the provider then voice calls my cell phone and I am unable to answer because I can’t hear. That’s your advice? See, they do not allow us to provide any information other than the questions that they have pre determined. And 1 question is always phone nbr. This phone nbr that is provided (in the off chance the deaf individual has a phone nbr). Is strictly for voice calls. The provider calls the nbr and the deaf person can not answer. They should provide a check box for those who are deaf so that those who demand a phone nbr will know to send a text call instead of a voice call but no one makes this provision
No one allows you to day anything in a comment box such as this here. Just predetermined questions. And such said questionnaire forms are ALWAYS geared towards those who are able to hear as that they assume everyone can. That’s what that guy was trying to yell you and what I’m telling you. A deaf person can not even go online and apply for a phone because they DEMAND A PHONE NBR. See? It’s a headache. Go here, go there. Do this, do that to obtain info and everyone demands a phone nbr. Those in wheelchairs didn’t have to lift a finger to get ramos, parking lots, bathroom stalls built for them. They didn’t have to call anyone. And for sure, THEY DIDN’T HAVE TO GIVE ANYONE THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY NBR! Be d****d if I’m going to give anyone my SS nbr in order to get a phone. Law days I don’t have to give that nbr out in order to recieve goods or services. Someone gets my SS nbr, has all this other personal info and wreck my life? This company can guarantee that no one will ever see my info, they will never have an employee who might steal my info or sell it? No they can’t guarantee that. Not about to give some dinky provider my ss nbr. The whole thing sucks. What they should be doing is asking for names and address only. Then somebody calls Social Security’s database. SS can confirm or deny my eligibility without giving everybody my SS nbr. Who ever is running this program doesn’t know what in hell they are doing. Social Security office knows I’m deaf, they should contact me and just mail me a prepaid phone and that’s it. Or require that I go to their office, show ID and pick it up. No one in a wheelchair had to spend 5 yrs trying to get a bathroom stall built. 5 yrs trying to get a phone, data plan. Confusing as hell. And always a demand for a phone nbr.
Eddie says
Comment. Ok. I’ll make a comment. Doubt if anyone will ever read it or if anyone does, if anyone will do anything about it. I just want to comment about how idiotic the process is for a hearing impaired individual such as myself to apply for a free government phone and or free data. Been trying off on for 5 years. All the advice in the above article no matter who the company is or what plan is being offered state according to you that in order to apply for phone or plan to “call this nbr”. I’ve been deaf for 42 years, would you like to tell me how I am supposed to call anyone? People in wheelchairs don’t have to do anything in order for parking lots to be built for them or bathroom stalls or anything else but a deaf person in order to obtain a phone is required to do something in which they are incapable of. If the not so bright advisors would provide a text nbr instead of a voice call nbr then just maybe the deaf could text call someone if they could borrow someone’s phone. Or better yet, the government search out the deaf and mail them a letter telling them how to obtain a free phone/free data. Better yet. Just mail us a phone. Those in wheelchairs don’t have to lift a finger to have a bathroom stall or ramp or parking slot constructed. Why should the dead have ANOTHER impossible obstacle placed in front of them to any type of benefit? Call this nbr. Oh that’s terrific advise there. We are supposed to call how? We are supposed to be able to hear what you have to say how? We ate supposed to call you in order to get a cell phone using a tyy phone in which we trying to call you to get? Oh bright guys handing out advise. Must be nice having a government job. It is not as if you have to actually know anything. And I suppose that if a dead individual were able to get someone to call for them (hell no!) That the deaf person would have to go to a doctor AGAIN to PROVE that they are indeed deaf even though an individual is on disability and has been for decades? You don’t have any bright guys around who can check the Social Security database? Or no bright guy there who knows how to use a computer? Oh no, just tell the deaf guy to call a nbr. That way you won’t gave to actually do anything. Excuse me for being bitter. 42 yrs of this garbage. I can’t even text call the police if my home is broken into, burglar in my bedroom or if I have TWO vehicles stolen. Why? Police say they CAN’T take text calls? Really? Can’t or won’t? Can’t text fire department if my house catches on fire. Can’t text hospital if I or someone else almost dies. Can’t text call a tow truck if I break down out in the middle of nowhere? Why? Because everybody say’s can’t. Yes you can. You just choose not too. Pray that never become deaf. Personally I’ve been praying for electronic burst so all you jackasses who keep saying “call this nbr” or “can’t” will realize what the deaf have to endure on a daily basis. Paid taxes my whole life and can not receive the benefit of any of these services because you WON’T accept a text call from a deaf individual. Go through Social Security’s database, find out who’s recieving benefit’s for being deaf and mail them a nice phone, data paid for and quit telling me to call a nbr pls. Tired of complaining about it. Thinking an electronic burst only thing some idiots can understand. No it’s not a threat, it’s a prayer, that you get electronically bombed back to the stone ages where I am so that that little light bulb over your head MIGHT finally go off. Hearing people just full of useless ideas concerning the deaf. We try to send email and DEMAND we provide a phone nbr that we do not have. Forced to provide a fictitious nbr in order to get our email through and instead of you emailing us back, your automated systems call the fictitious nbr and we wind up right back where we started. STOP demanding phone nbs if those who are trying to reach you through email! If anyone wanted to talk on a phone or if they could, they would call you, not send email. Who wrote this software that everyone had to copy? Hearing engineers, that’s who. If someone sends you email, they are expecting you to reply in email. What does a phone nbr have to do with anything? Now that I think about it, I don’t really need your phone anyway. You refuse to accept text calls from the hearing impaired anyway. You tell them, if you want to talk to me you have to use an outdated 30 yrs ago piece of crap tyy device? Is that so? When is the last time you saw someone walking down the street with a TYY device in their pocket. If I have an accident, wreck my car 50 miles from home, I’m supposed to ealk home so I can use my TYY device? Do I tell you what cell phone you have to use in order to talk to me? I do not. STOP telling us what we have to do in order to talk to you. We are the ones with experience. You know nothing. We know what we need. And we don’t need clueless you telling us what we need. You haven’t been deaf for 4 seconds much less for 4 decades so keep your advice to yourself and listen to the pro’s. That happens to be us. We’ve been complaining for years but you guys just don’t listen. We by law are the one’s who are supposed to be able to choose which method of communication is best but you guys ignore the law and dictate to us instead and tell us that we have to use a near worthless device or barring that say “can’t”. So go ahead, invent a new faster phone. 5G, 6G, 100G, who cares? What good does it do us if you all say “can’t”. Just happens that the deaf had a lot to do with the invention of the phone. A lot of businesses don’t even provide an email link. Text nbrs, email address, street addresses should have the same prominance as a phone nbr. I shouldn’t have to spend half an hour prowsing through a web site in search of an email address or link. My call is just as important to me as your call is important to you. Why do I not get the same access? I am not only not getting the same access, I in most cases am not granted access at all. If companies do not provide alternate methods of contact with equal prominance then these companies ought to have their business liscense pulled. Ten’s of thousand’s of businesse’s & web sites simply say “call this nbr”. Easy for those of you who can hear. Where is the alternate method of contact displayed if you are unable to hear? When email came out about 30 or so years ago, you said “can’t”. When texting became possible, you said “can’t”. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you and I know how the hearing world has treated us. Just so happens that I’m not the only one who knows. So, enjoy your phones. I believe in Divine Judgement. When it happens to you, when you are unable to contact anyone for any reason whatsoever, remember, you are the one who insisted on doing what was convenient for you & gave no thought to the needs of others. When it happens to you I wonder if your going to think it’s Divine retribution or just a coincidence? Not saying everyone who’s reading this is responsible. The one’s who are responsible are the one’s who are responsible. Wrote the president of my concern’s few yrs ago. Obama was in office at the time. Got a wonderful form letter telling me of all great things his administration has done to assist the handicapped. What a load of huey. Your great free cell phone dispersment program needs some work. No need in telling a deaf person that in order to get a phone to call anyone ok? How stupid can you be? That might work if you were to provide a text nbr but I don’t see one posted, do you? Email link? Street address? (This critical email is not directed towards the individual who wrote the article. I appreciate you trying to help us. I realize that you could only submit the information that you were given. My scorn is directed towards those who keep telling the deaf to “call this nbr”. I’m sure you understand.)
Carolyn says
I am reading your post and am hearing impaired also, but not totally deaf. I have a caption call phone and today while trying to talk to q-link customer service, I could not hear because of the background noise of other representatives talking to other people. It’s very discouraging when we can’t be heard or we can’t hear what they are saying. The cell phone they gave me service to does me no good as I can’t hear it and it would be better if I had help with having Internet service instead of a phone service to go with my caption call phone works better for me to have a representative text or email me. I can’t compete with their background noise and there should be ways to communicate what is best for those who are deaf or hearing impaired that needs to be heard. When customer service rattled off a number to call back to, it was too fast to get the number let alone hear it.
Sorry to hear the hassles you go through to be heard about being deaf. It’s frustrating to be understood just how much we can or can’t hear. The government needs better programs for the hearing impaired people.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Dealing with foreign customer service agents can be frustrating for those without being hearing-impaired, so we can’t imagine how you must feel. Have you checked the Q Link website to see if you can “speak” to customer service via text, email or online chat?
LeeMan says
WOULD BE IN A CATEGORY CALLED ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND EACH DAY SHOULD HAVE ONE OR TWO OF THEIR OWN AND THE ONE IN MY STATE OF INDIANA CAN BE FOUND IF YOU SEARCH THIS PHRASE ON GOOGLE…
INTRAC RELAY INDIANA
YOU MAY NEED TO INCLUDE THE WORD AT AN INCLUDE THE WORD D E A F OR SPEECH BECAUSE THIS PROGRAM GIVES TO PEOPLE WITH SPEECH PROBLEMS OR HEARING PROBLEMS INCLUDING DEAF PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH SIGNIFICANT HEARING PROBLEMS WHO ARE NOT DEAF. BUT THERE ARE OTHER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS FOR VISION IMPAIRED PEOPLE ALSO AND YOU CAN FIND THESE ON A WEB PAGE CALLED A F T R R ALIGNED FOR TECHNOLOGY REFER BETWEEN THE DIGITAL DIVIDE. I’M GOING TO INCLUDE A POST BELOW WHICH I HAVE ALREADY POSTED IN SOME MAYBE PERTINENT AND SOME MAY NOT..
NOW THAT ACP BENEFIT IS OVER IF YOU’RE STILL OR ELSE FOR THE LIFELINE BENEFIT YOU CAN GET A FREE PHONE THROUGH THE LIFELINE PROGRAM FROM ASSURANCE WIRELESS OR AIRTALK WIRELESS OR STAND-UP WIRELESS.
AND ALL THREE OF THOSE COMPANIES WILL GIVE YOU UNLIMITED TEXTING WITH A THOUSAND MINUTES OF TALK PLUS 4 AND 1/2 GB OF DATA. AIRTALK WIRELESS MAY ACTUALLY GIVE YOU UNLIMITED TALK AND TEXT WITH 5 GB OF DATA.
AND IF YOU ARE LOW INCOME OR IF YOU GET FOOD STAMPS OR MEDICAID OR SSI DISABILITY OR SCHOOL LUNCH FROM INTERNET THROUGH COMCAST XFINITY INTERNET ESSENTIALS BASIC PLAN FOR $10 PER MONTH. OR YOU CAN GET THE SPECTRUM ASSIST PLAN FOR DISCOUNTED AROUND $20 PER MONTH. OR THE AT&T ACCESS PLAN FOR $30 A MONTH AND ACCESS MAY HAVE A $10 VERSION. THE MEDIACOM CONNECTOR COMPETE PLAN MAY CAUSE $10 PER MONTH AND THE COX COMMUNICATIONS CONNECT TO COMPETE PLAN MAYBE $10 PER MONTH AND THAT MAY REQUIRE A SCHOOL-AGE CHILD IN THE HOME BUT THEY MAY HAVE OTHER DISCOUNTED PLANS.
SUDDENLINK AND OPTIMUM HAVE PLANS CALLED ALTICE AND ADVANTAGE FOR $15 PER MONTH.
COMCAST XFINITY INTERNET ACCESSIBILITY PLAN IS $10 A MONTH AND IF YOU SEARCH THE PHRASE XFINITY INTERNET ESSENTIALS LOW COST COMPUTER YOU CAN BUY A 3110 CHROMEBOOK OR EVEN BETTER 3140 LATITUDE LAPTOP FROM DELL FOR $150 WORTH $300.
AND THE OPTIMUM ADVANCE CUSTOMERS MAY BE ABLE TO BUY A $150 REFURBISHED COMPUTER.
HE’S FOLLOWING COMPANIES HAVE HOTSPOT FOR $20 PER MONTH OR DOWN TO $10 FOR $15 PER MONTH AND ONE OF THEM OR TWO OF THEM HAVE UNLIMITED 4G SPEED DATA. AND YOU HAVE TO BUY A HOTSPOT DEVICE OR YOU MAY BE ABLE TO RENT ONE OR PAY MONTHLY. THESE COMPANIES MAY ALSO HAVE REFURBISHED COMPUTERS FOR $49 OR $99 OR $125 DEPENDING ON INVENTORY BUT WHATEVER YOU PAY THEY WILL BE WORTH MORE.
CONNECTALL INTERCONNECTION LOCATED IN KENT WASHINGTON HAS $49 REFURBISHED LAPTOPS AND $15 HOTSPOT PLANS.
COMPUDOPT
HUMAN-I-T
PCS FOR PEOPLE AND PCS REFURBISHED ARE TWO DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF THE SAME COMPANY LIKE THESE OTHER COMPANIES HAVE OTHER BRANCH SELLS YOU THE REFURBISHED DEVICE.
3R TECHNOLOGY IS LOCATED IN WASHINGTON STATE AND IF YOU SEARCH FOR THE COMPANY 3R TECHNOLOGY INCLUDE A PHRASE LIKE LOW INCOME LAPTOP OR TECHNOLOGY ACCESS DISCOUNT SINCE THERE ARE OTHER ORGANIZATIONS WHICH HAVE THE SAME NAME.
CHROMEBOOKS ARE US HAS REFURBISHED CHROMEBOOKS AS LOW AS $40 IN GOOD SHAPE WITH LIMITED WARRANTY BUT DOES NOT REQUIRE A LOW INCOME TO BE ELIGIBLE.
IF YOU LIVE IN THE SAME HOUSE EVEN IF YOU ARE AN IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS LIKE BROTHER AND SISTER AND MOTHER AND DAUGHTER OR SO ON YOU CAN EACH CLAIM YOU ARE SEPARATE HOUSEHOLDS IF YOU CAN CLAIM YOU DON’T SHARE EXPENSES. AS LONG AS YOU’RE OVER 18 OR IF YOU’RE IN EMANCIPATED MINOR OR WHATEVER. BUT IF YOU’RE A MARRIED COUPLE OR A PARENT WITH CUSTODY OF MINE OR CHILDREN UNFORTUNATELY YOU MUST COUNT AS ONE HOUSEHOLD.
YOU CAN DO SEARCHES ONLINE TO FIND OUT WHAT COMPANIES COVER YOUR AREA INCLUDING TYPE THE SEARCH ACP PROVIDERS NEAR ME OR TYPE THE SEARCH LIFELINE PROVIDERS NEAR ME OR LIFELINE COMPANIES NEAR ME. AND YOU CAN DO OTHER SEARCH PHRASES WHICH INCLUDE PHRASES LIKE DIGITAL INCLUSION OR DIGITAL DIVIDE OR DIGITAL EQUITY.
GOOGLE SEARCH PHRASES…
AFTRR STANDS FOR THE ALLIANCE FOR TECHNOLOGY REFURBISHING AND REUSE.
PBDD STANDS FOR PARTNERS BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE.
Cynthia S. Ralls says
You are THE MAN, Eddie! Thanks for sharing!
Wayne Kleinschmidt says
Hello,
I am writing in reference to the phones for hard of hearing and the deaf.
My VFW post has several Veterans who would benefit from this product.
Can you please send some literature that I can hand out to the people in need?
Thanks,
VFW VSIO Wayne Kleinschmidt
VFW Post 919
Trenton, MO
Free Government Cell Phones says
We do not offer any printed materials, Wayne. You’ll need to get in touch with the companies in your area to see if they offer what you need. Here’s where you can find all those companies and plans:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Russell Berry (B) Clower Jr. says
i would like to know why the Government stop making cell phone with only number to make you call and don’t have e-mail internet text on it ans a camera on it on to place phone call if you have Glaucoma in one eye it is hard to thinks with sun is out in some place with the type of cell phone you make now
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry to hear about your medical issues, Russell. Please be aware that virtually every Lifeline free government cell phone company offers special plans for those with vision impairments. Contact your company’s customer service team for more information.
Barbara says
Seeking an I phone for a blind senior that doesn’t have funds to buy the phone, this doubles his isolation
.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to enroll with a company that offers plans in your state. Check them all out at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Robin nedd says
I’m very nearsighted I need a phone with a big screen and I’m also hard if hearing can u recemmend the best company that has this such free cell phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
We recommend that you find a couple companies whose plans you like, then find out if they offer a BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) plan. Then you can purchase the compatible phone of your choice and use it with your Lifeline plan.
Ronda says
Hi my name is Rhonda and I find they don’t have many companies for the state of Alabama, disappointing
Free Government Cell Phones says
Alabama has service from three of the largest Lifeline companies plus another regional company.
Michelle shelton says
Yes hi my name is Michelle and I’m you guys just gave me the great news that my phone is on his way. and my papa is also he is legally like he’s blind and he’s like losing his hearing out and he is older and he’s also on disability he has a flip phone that he struggles with and he just buys minutes like TracFone like minutes and I want to know if you guys could help him as well I was reading on your side if you could email me back I would greatly appreciate it and he is Indian. Thank you guys so much this is my email. ********@gmail.com
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cannot respond to individual comments or questions because we get sooooo many every day. But we can answer your question: Yes, your father sounds as if he’s eligible, but here’s an article that covers all the ways to be eligible:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Of course, only one phone is permitted per household, so he will not be eligible if you live in the same home.
Denise says
I have 80% hearing loss, called Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). While it is great that some of these co’s offer some programs for people like me, it is counter intuitive that I have to actually CALL these companies to sign up. I can’t hear on the phone, that is the point, but I have to call them and answer 20 questions that I can’t hear being asked? Makes sense, not at all.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Many of the companies (we haven’t checked lately, so it may be all of them) allow you to enroll online.
Lj says
I have had Assurance Wireless for a few years now and very unhappy with them. I happen to be legally blind and they sent the ‘standard’ little one and a half inch screen cell phone to me which I need a magnifier just to view whatever is there….. **** I called and ask them for a lager screened phone since I’m partially blind and the young lady advised me they ‘only’ have one phone that Assurance sends out. Then they had the nerve to send me another phone which happens to be the exact same thing I am using….. DUH!!
DOESN’T ANYONE CARE ABOUT THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED????? I miss calls, can’t see the keyboard and forget if its an emergency!!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
There are lots of other Lifeline companies with far more generous policies for the hearing/vision/speech-impaired customers. Check them out in the article above and consider switching your account.
Benita Winslow says
Thank you for all this info!! However…TTY phones appear to require yet another device to plug the cell phone into. Also: HOW do I find out which lifeline assistance company this LG-T40 phone is using, here in Michigan? I am hearing impaired and could very much benefit from having access to a TTY!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
We admit that we are not experts in TTY, Benita. But if assume that each of the free government cell phone companies in your state can tell you which TTY service they offer. You can find all the companies in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Joseph d Miller says
I still trying to resolve issues with Qlink wireless company which cut off my phoneline Qlink wireless according to them i am deceased are someone in my family, iv’e had the cellphone for over one year. I sent proof of identity ( last 4 digits of social security,email address,date of birth,driver license ID,mailing address,medicaid info,city,state,zip) this has been going since 12/04/2018 .Now the biggest problem is trying to get pass the automated system which hangs up on me for the reason of according to them deceased which is not the case,but problem is contacting a (live person) or Qlink wireless agent rep.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’ve heard the same complaint many, many times in the past, Joseph.
Diane says
Thank you for helping disabled and homeless people find phones. Is there a job open to help folks with this service. I am hearing impaired
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Diane, but we’re not hiring. We operate with a barebones staff. It’s the only way we can continue offering this service to low-income Americans.
Tommy Holtzman says
Looking for a cell phone for a blind friend, 87 years old, that lost everything in the Camp Fire in Paradise Ca. He is now living in a small camp trailer in Chico and does not have any access to a land line. Need a cell phone the is voice calling or has simple buttons to operate
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did you read the article on this page, Tommy? It should tell you everything you need to know. Good luck to you and your friend.
margaret Hofmann says
I am profoundly deaf and have a CapTel phone at home. I need to find a cell phone that I can carry with me when I am in the car in case of emergency, etc. I am on fixed income and already pay for a home phone through AT& T. At one time I had a phone that was distributed through I think called life relay and it was for emergency use only to 911. That was lost many years ago and not sure how I can get another one or a new kind of technology.
Thank you for you replying to me with suggestions.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Wish we could offer you more help, Margaret, but your question falls outside our area of expertise. The best we can suggest is that you read the article on this page and then follow up with the service providers in your state. Here’s where you can find a list of those providers:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Barbara Purvis says
I need hearing impaired built on phone and speech
Free Government Cell Phones says
Just read the article above, Barbara, and then enroll with the company that offers the plan that fits your needs best.
Rose says
I used to have an account with Qlink wireless. I am considered legally blind in my left eye and struggle to see many of the small screen cell phones. The one the sent me when I first got my account with them was only 4.5″. I contacted customer support and was informed that they were in the process of getting larger phones but that was still about 2 months away. I was told to call back at that time and they would be able to help me. I was also told that I would be able to get a new phone for the cost of replacement, which was $25. Two months later I called back and was informed that they still did not have the larger phones and that it was NOT going to be $25. It would be the normal cost which would be close to, or over the $200 mark.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can probably get around both of those issues by enrolling with a different company, Rose. All LIfeline companies are now required to give their new customers free smartphones. Here’s where you can find a list of all the free government cell phone companies offering plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And here’s an article that tells you exactly how to make the switch from one company to another:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
jenny leber says
I am trying to help my 87 year old friend to get an amplified phone. He does not have a hearing aid. It has been dangerous for him with no phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read the article above, Jenny.
Gary says
Need asap live alone can’t see well
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to enroll with one of the free government cell phone companies offering plans in your state. Here’s where you can find those plans:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Tony Dalessio says
I see free cell phones are offered but only if you have a lifeline service contract???
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are misinterpreting something, Tony. You get a Lifeline service contract when you enroll, not before.
William o. Wallace says
Alot information to dissect , but information is relavent should consider age and disability in combination with technology needs. I am a aging American with a hearing impairment and naturally detireating eye sight, that in turn dictate s my technology needs. Thank you
Ms. C says
A friend just sent me information about free telephones that are available to those with hearing issues (I think it was a hint that I play my telly too loud). While the transcribe service is free, you have to pay for the phone service. I discovered that some companies offers apps, so you can use a cell phone or computer. This is good news for those with vision, hearing, and/or speech issues!
Ms. C says
From experience, I can say that neither safelink nor Assurance Wireless provide phone specify for those with hearing, vision and speech-impairments.
With training, those in need could possibly adapt their smart-phone to there needs. I know of a hearing impaired gent who uses Sype to have a 3rd party sign conversations. A blind couple who uses different apps and speech programs to aid their movements. Then there’s the blind guy who didn’t want the “fancy” stuff, just a plain phone with a keypad larger than the one he had (I found and purchased one for him).
All Lifeline promise is phone service/a way to communicate. Making that communication work for you, is up to you.
Glenn says
Safelink is actually exceptionally terrible. you have to call them to get a device that’ll work for your hearing aids, calling them up and going through the motions and they simply just hang up on you. Heaven forbid you have to have a sign language interpreter as a third person call, you’re simply just screwed without any help.
scott nadeau says
i want to learn how to get a phone made for the blind i have an iphone and cant use it i need help my phone is my lifeline
Free Government Cell Phones says
Just a little clarification is needed, Scott: Are you saying you cannot use the iPhone because of your vision problems or because it is not compatible with your service provider’s network?
Blaine C Roque says
How do I replace my phone I lost my phone from blue jay wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that explains it all, Blaine:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Free Government Cell Phones says
Oops. We just realized we gave you some info that won’t help you much, Blaine. Blue Jay, your service provider, no longer offers Lifeline plans, so you need to find out who your new provider is by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. That will connect you to your new service provider’s customer service team. They can answer your question for you. Good luck.
Keyvan P says
I don’t understand why you need a phone. I mean can you have one over there?
Glenna Lyon says
i am looking for free cell for a friend mine he is on Social Security. he draws $1,270. a month and is on media care. I would appreciate if you could send me a phone number or an application.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Based on his income your friend should qualify. But we’re not a free government cell phone service provider, Glenna. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact and enroll with one of the service providers in your state. You can find that info here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Patty key says
I have a qlink phone, it’s too hard for me to see and use the little letters and numbers,I have to tap all the time to get something, and it doesn’t go up an down, in fact it’s a piece of… I am 85 years old and if I had to use it for my lifeline I wouldn’t be able to get them on this phone. I need a bigger phone like safelink at lease I can see on it, My daughter has one, I willl pack and send this phone back by UPS. Thank you ******@gmail.com call me on my home phone 937 709 ****. I am on food stamps and Medicare and medicaid
Free Government Cell Phones says
First thing, Patty, is that you don’t need to return the cell phone. Not necessary at all.
Second, you have a couple choices: (1) You can pay a small fee to upgrade your phone with your current service provider. Or (2) You can switch to a new Lifeline free government cell phone company. All new customers are entitled to receive smartphones. Here’s an article that will tell you about the plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Ilene Wheeler says
I have a client that is visually impaired and has limited income
Free Government Cell Phones says
Then the article above should be exactly what you’re looking for, Ilene.
JohnL.Ziemer says
Pending my later strokeof 2008 I remain unableto articulate speech retaining severe apraxia.My limited connunication devis isan ipad using a speeech app. Provided via my veterans health catre benefits.
I formerly reordered my medications using our house phone however since every other family uses his oer own pesonal cell phone henc now I fully rely on other family members doing what I do on my own list I regain speech regarding a speech asisted cell phone as I learnd was offered in a tv ad offered ny the state ofvCalifornia dispeled by GovenorBrown.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Now that you’ve read this article about the speech/hearing/vision-impaired policies of all the major Lifeline companies, John, you need to learn which companies offer plans in your state. You can read about that here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Joyce Allen says
Looking for a voice command phone for my nephew who is paralyzed from MS and lives in a nursing home.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll need to discuss that with customer service at the various free government cell phone companies available in your state, Joyce. Here’s where you can find them all (along with their contact info):
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
doug says
This article says that safelink wireless has phones for the blind. when you try and sign up as a blind person, you are unable to complete the form because you need to sign in a box with the mouse. Upon calling the company, they say to sign up online. trying to sign up at a retail location shows no locations within 200 miles of a zipcode. How do blind users go about signing up for a service that claims to have phones for the blind? please advise.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Very few of the Lifeline free government cell phone companies have brick and mortar locations, Doug. Since we are not blind, we’re not quite sure what problem you’re facing. Are you saying that you cannot sign in the box with a mouse because of your vision? Or are we misinterpreting what you’re saying. Sorry if we sound a bit ignorant here.
Janice Nottage says
Hello.. looking for free government cell phone for my legally blind brother in Mississippi…Please Help
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s where you can find a complete list of Lifeline free government cell phone companies and plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Denise says
Hello,My name is Denise Dabbs from Ventura,C.A. . I borned “deaf” for life. Can I get free “Blue Jay” phone cell ? ? ? If Yes,Where can I get one ? ? ? Please respond me as soon as possible,Thanks.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact one of the free government cell phone companies to enroll. Here’s where you can find a list of all those companies in your state and their plans:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Silvia says
Why is it so hard to get Safelinks phone reps to understand? You cannot understand what they’re saying half the time & have to hang up & call back hoping to get someone who’s english pronunciation (Im in no means trying to sound racist) is understandable. Very frustrating! Have had so many problems with service capability IN MY OWN HOME with their phones. (I’ve tried making this clear to them on numerous occasions). My boyfriend got so mad that he stomped on his phone after talking w/them for 45+mins!! He’s never used it (duh…stomped on it) but they say HE HAS ONE when he tried to get another one re-issued. If you are req’d to renew yearly why can’t they see in THEIR records that the STOMPED phone has NEVER been used under his name & hasn’t been renewed yearly for the past 3 yrs!? (They say he has it but not that its ever been used?) Now tell me that’s not moronic! Have I made my point? There are MANY other examples of their stupidity but yet the govt is paying THIS company to provide DECENT service/equip and IT is not doing so!!!!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are absolutely correct, Silvia. In fact, according to the rules of the Lifeline program, a free government cell phone account must be cancelled by the company if a customer doesn’t use the phone for 30 days. Your boyfriend’s phone has clearly been unused much longer than that, so it should have been cancelled.
It’s time for you to start making formal complaints to the authorities. Here’s an article that tells you exactly what to do:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service
Sharon Smith says
We are looking for aid for our Mother who is goimg blind, so we are checking all resourses.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ve come to the right place, Sharon. Read the article on this page.
Maria Del C Torres Bracero says
Hola, mi esposo es usuario de este beneficio, yo quisiera saber si tienen disponible covers para los celulares de Life wireless?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can buy covers almost anywhere, Maria. Try Amazon or eBay.
Paul says
What? You can buy what?
Sarah-Mae says
I would love to have this phone because I can’t hear and i have speech problem i depen on text messages to get around. This cell phone will help me out alot and thank very much for your help.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good for you, Sarah-Mae. Check out all the free government cell phone companies in your state and then enroll with the one that offers a plan that fits your needs best:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Alfredo Ortega says
Free…. thank you for this very informative site….am currently retired, but should be returning to work shortly after the completion of my AWS Certified Welding Inspector class. I am severely hearing impaired. My work responsibilities in the past wasn’t too great of a problem, however, following the completion of my classes, and becoming a certified welding… I shall be in dire need of a cellphone with Captel capabilities….meaning, being able to read the conversation, in real time, on that cellphone…. Captel has a new telephone that does this…. I need a cellphone that can can do this, as I shall need to be able to be reached immediately at all times, on the jobsite…can you help me with this… I’d be forever grateful to you….. thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
All the information you need is in the above article, Alfredo. We don’t know a lot about the hearing-impaired program, but now that all new customers get smartphones, we would assume that will work out better for you. Congrats on completing your class and getting back to work!
Shaxa says
Iam blind in left eye and imprd in right as Dr that completely blind I do have one on Georgia And just moved resntly to Nebraska And I lost the cellphone I call they say they can’t help me in Nebraska I have to apply right Know iam in nursin home
And this my assistant help me to get me Smart phone and you tell me in witch place can get free government with blind
Free Government Cell Phones says
This article should give you the info you need regarding which companies to enroll with, Shaka. You also need a list of free government cell phone companies available in your state. You can find that at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Janice Freeman says
When I have been calling the customer service number at assurance wireless, there are many options to choose from but seems the ability to get hold of a live person is impossible. I need to speak to something and ask a few questions. Basically, I want to know whether I can apply for the phone for my mother, as she is not able to do the process herself. She lives in an independent living facility in Los Angeles and I live in Orange County.
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is a common complaint made by our readers — not just about Assurance, but about most of the free government cell phone companies. If you can’t get through to a live rep at Assurance, try sending an email to the customer service team at this email address:
ourteam@assurancewireless.com
Victor says
I have a friend who is deaf and dump and he needs your help. His name is Pius, and here is my email ********@yahoo.com please help him
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re an independent informational website, not a free government cell phone company, Victor. You’ll need to contact one of the companies on this page to help your friend get a special cell phone.
Sandra brian says
Why safelink will not tell me if approved or. Not Sandra Brian zip 08755 email *******@gmail.com
Free Government Cell Phones says
Go to the Safelink website and click on “Account” and then click on “Check Enrollment Status.”
Charleen says
Free phones for pepole on tanf.
Free Government Cell Phones says
When the Federal Communications Commision changed the Lifeline program rules back on December 2, 2016 it eliminated participation in TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) as a means of becoming eligible. However, you can still qualify if you receive Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) benefits.
Betty L. Smith says
Is there anyone – or any number that I can call to get assistance? I am 86 years old, on social security and have had a Safe-Link phone for some time now (a couple of years)…my original phone was stolen while I was a patient in the hospital and I requested and received a replacement; HOWEVER, it has never worked properly…I have called every department, everyone I can find a number for …with no help…mostly the people are rude and have such a foreign accent I am unable to understand them..bottom line I cannot afford the cost of a phone and I can’t get help fixing the one I have or getting a replacement..Getting the phone initially was no problem – however, getting the same service after my phone was stolen has been unbelievable. I am currently in the processes of dealing with three doctors and their contacts such as pharmacetical companies with no phone. Who can help me?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you had your free government cell phone account for more than one year, Betty? If so, you might consider switching service providers. Perhaps you can find one that offers you better customer service than the folks at Safelink. Here’s where you can find a complete list of free government cell phone providers in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Jean Jurkiewicz says
I had a phone and it suddenly did not work. a few phone calls got me to someone who said that the providing company “quit” and i needed to redo my paperwork. so i tried getting pictures off of the phone onto the computer and there is no way to do it. I see no purpose in taking pictures you can’t get off the phone. I need one that i can. Can you help?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team, Jean. We’re an independent website that’s not affiliated with any free government cell phone company.
constance hardin says
i have a safelink trackphone an my vision isnt too good i called them too see if they could trade phones with me for a smartphone i could see the numbers better on one of those but they said they couldnt help me trying to find a better service that will help me get a phone that i can read the numbers on it
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a bad answer, Constance. Which service provider are you enrolled with?
Vinnie Cooper says
My friend has C.P. and needs a phone with large buttons for her compromised fingers.
Free Government Cell Phones says
This article should give you the information you need, Vinnie. Good luck to you and your friend.
tracy says
who provides for the state of Virginia?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s where you can find a complete list of free government cell phone providers in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
sylvia seaton says
Assurance Wireless does not provide anything for the visually impaired. i offered to purchase a phone that works with their service but i have the largest phone they have – 4.7″. i also have dexterity issues and need larger buttons. there are no phones out there that work with them that are any larger. i called them three times to find out what larger phone would work and they said none. the second person hung up on me and was rude and sounded frustrated that i was trying to find a larger phone. she did call me three hours later saying she did not know what happened but most people would call back immediately.
also the phone has 1.7gb and apps can no longer update due to storage space. i have an sd card but the system they have will not allow me to run apps from the sd card and i cannot disable the apps i do not use and they keep updating themselves taking up more room i do not have.
i need a larger phone even if i have to pay for the phone. it just is not available with this service. a friend has a larger phone that was free from her carrier. will be switching as soon as i can verify that i can purchase a phone or that the company will provide a phone that is large enough for me to use.
until this issue i have been happy with Assurance.
Free Government Cell Phones says
As of December 2, all Lifeline free government cell phone companies are required to provide new customers with smartphones. You may want to switch to a different service provider just so you can get a larger smartphone from the new company. Here’s where you can find a list of all the companies offering free government cell phones in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
shirley jones says
My phone is 916-825-**** on my flip phone no code was ever given. My old addresss was 5710 ******* until I moved to apt 21 same address. Now my phone works but I can not make phone calls. my cell battery 268435462509925876 inside phone I want it activated I tried number of times contacting you but got number of run a rounds with no success please activate phone or call me at 916-391-****
Please help
Free Government Cell Phones says
You do not say who your service provider is, but you need to contact its customer service or tech support team. Unfortunately for you, this is an independent website and we are not affiliated with any Lifeline company. If you can’t reach them by phone, go to the website and see if you can find an email contact or an online chat feature.
DORA Deadmon says
Safe link sent me a phone that doesn’t work. The played assistants just didn’t know how to adivate the phone. I spent hours on the phone with them. So I sent back the phone to safeline stating how disappointed I was.They never sent me another one. Please tell me why?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Dora, but without knowing what was said by you and by the Safelink rep, it’s impossible for us to know what happened. But there’s no reason you can’t apply with another company (as long as it’s been 60 days since you enrolled with Safelink). Here’s an article that tells you how easy it is to switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/how-to-i-switch-lifeline-phone-companies
Angela Massey says
My mother just got a phone with SafeLink. She is what I’d call “hard of hearing.” She isn’t ready for hearing aids yet, but definitely has hearing loss in some ranges. When she received her new phone, she said it was hard to hear the ringtone, and the earpiece seemed to go up and down.
When I called SafeLink, I was told that they don’t replace phones for that reason. Apparently, “make every effort” means telling the customer they need to go buy a new phone. I mentioned their policy as stated on your web page here, and she just repeated that they don’t do that. The statement in their policy doesn’t make any promises, but I’d say it is overreaching to say that she made ANY effort.
Is there any way you could suggest a free or inexpensive type of phone that has a louder ring and earpiece volume?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cant’ recommend a different phone, Angela, but we suggest that you call some of the other Lifeline free government cell phone companies in your state to see if they offer phones that satisfy your mom’s needs. Each company offers different makes and models and you may find that one of those other companies has exactly what she needs (even if they charge a small upgrade fee). Here’s where you can find a complete list of service providers in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Paula Shepard says
I find that none of the free phones is especially good for either vision or hearing problems (unless you use TTY which might be ok- I don’t know because I am not totally deaf). The phones are very small which is a problem for the vision impaired. They are not especially loud for the hearing impaired. They are bargain basement phones…what the lifeline providers can afford to offer for free.
What stands out to me is those companies that allow you to bring your own device as long as it is compatible with their service- very few lifeline companies do this. In this way you can see to providing yourself with an appropriate phone that can then be used with the lifeline service…which solves all problems except the free part. Disabled individuals are quite used to seeing to their own special disability needs and this is no different. I have found this to be a most excellent solution.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good advice, Paula, except for one thing. Most of the Lifeline companies now allow you to BYOD or BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone). Of course, not all phones are compatible with all cell networks, so your own device will need to be one that works with your service provider’s network.
jean white says
I have a Ca. free truconnect phone. i cannot get it louder and cannot hear it ring and cannot hear people speaking on it. Is there one for hard of hearing?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check this article. It will tell you the vision/hearing/speech-impaired policies of all the major Lifeline Assistance companies, including Truconnect:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/government-cell-phones-hearing-vision-speech-impaired
MarySue Foster says
Thank you for all this clear information. My elderly friend (even older than I) has lost her sight and needs a smart phone to call Uber and make other necessary calls. Uber would give her the freedom to move around quickly and easily without waiting for days when her aide comes or scheduling the Handi-Bus. We will be calling as many of the companies as we need tomorrow until we find a provider for her. Looks like there are 9 possibilities on this list. I have called 4 service agencies in town and none were able to help me with this program.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Glad we could be of service, MarySue. Your friend sounds like exactly the kind of person we’re trying to help. And bless you for being such a good friend and helping her find the services she needs.
k2 says
Please be advised that each of these companies are required to provide reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which covers all PWDs (people with disabilities) with a bona fide medical need for an accessible phone. It is not limited to folks with hearing, speech, or vision impairments.
Case law has also consistently recognized that each PWD is best equipped to identify the accommodations that are needed. Requiring a PWD to provide information so that someone else (with no medical training and experience with the disability or how it impacts that individual) is in violation of the ADA.
If a PWD’s requested accommodation would pose a bona-fide undue hardship, a company may offer an alternative accommodation, but the PWD is not obligated to accept it if it won’t work for them.
My hope is that companies will revise policies to voluntarily comply with the ADA before they are legally compelled to do so.
Paula Shepard says
I tried pushing that…no dice…no one seems to care. But feel free to try pushing it on your end and see if you make any headway. Since I don’t have funds for an attorney (if I did I wouldn’t need lifeline), I’m stopped dead by their refusal (whether outright or by giving me the run around by saying all the nice and right things and not coming through).
Also there are disabilities aside from vision and hearing issues that may need accommodation in various ways, for instance a problem with brain functioning that can be helped by certian features or apps you can put on a smart phone (that is not for k2’s edification…it is for everyone elses. I’m sure k2 already knows this)
Summer Gray says
I am looking for a Gov assistance cell phone company that allows you to keep your existing phone and number. I am completely deaf and when it comes to being able to communicate having a full keyboard is much more efficient especially in important non emergency situations, like trying to communicate with a potential employer. I just think it would be beneficial to both the companies offering the free service and the recipients if those that already have phones were able to continue to use them instead of a new lesser phone in most cases.
Rhonda Lee Buck says
I want the best deal when it comes to Qlink..
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s tough to beat free, Rhonda.
Chris Y says
Regarding Life Wireless – hearing aid compatible phones: Good luck with that! We tried calling and faxing to get a hearing aid compatible phone for veteran husband. We always got to talk to customer service, and always we were told our request was received. But even Customer Service said it was out of their personal control for us to actually get sent one, but we could keep trying. We finally gave up and never received one.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call back and demand to speak to a supervisor. Your experience is diametrically opposed to the information on Life’s website.
Tony says
Dear Free Gov Cellphones,
I have been searching endlessly for a free phone company with Android phones. I cancelled my Assurance Wireless account after discovering that Q-Link Wireless often gives customers Android phones. They do not guarantee you will receive an Android phone. But they do try.
I received an HTC Sense smartphone. It’s 3 years old but still in excellent condition!
Here’s how it works with an Android phone. You get your allotment of call minutes and text messages. For internet..email, Facebook, or any app that requires an internet connection it can only be done using wifi. I do not have internet service at home. And being disabled prevents me from going out. However, I do have a phone that I pay $60 per month. So, for now, I use the Wifi Hotspot from my paid phone to download apps and other internet functions necessary to setup my Q-Link Wireless Android phone. I cannot afford the phone I pay for. And I am thankful to Q-Link Wireless for an Android phone.
So… I repeat, you can only get internet access by wifi only. I got my phone 1 day ago. I was told I have 344 minutes after making 2 calls.
I am very happy with my new (Well… It’s new to me!) Android smartphone.
I refuse to accept the worthless phones many of the free government phone companies provide!
Thank you, Q-Link Wireless, for providing me with a quality phone!!
And thank you, FreeGovernmentCellphones.net, for keeping me updated with the information you provide. You’re a big help to many, many people across the United States.
Tony
Phoenix, Arizona
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re very happy to hear about your experience, Tony. May we suggest that you AND all our readers sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on all free government cell phone news. It’s simple to do. Just put your email address in the “Sign Up For Our Weekly Newslatter” box at the top of the right hand column on this page. Then click the “Subscribe” button. You’ll be the first to hear all the free government cell phone news!
Liz Mateo says
I am hearing impaired in both ears. I have an Assurance Wireless Phone and am unable to hear a word through it. I have mentioned it to a representative and he/she never got back to me. So I only use the phone for text messaging. I guess they don’t have a phone available that I am able to hear through.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We readily admit that we’re not experts in phones for the hearing-impaired, Liz. So please pardon our ignorance. Do they make phones that allow hearing-impaired individuals to actually hear phone calls? We were under the impression that the phones translate spoken words into text.
Paula Shepard says
I am hearing impaired which is not the same as being totally deaf. If you are substantially hearing impaired (for instance to find a hearing aid helpful and even neccesary- which is a legal disability) a louder phone can assist with that….I find I also use the voice to text option frequently as well. I also use my cell phone with bluetooth earbuds and an appropriate app as a hearing aid in certian situations as I can increase the volume of the earbuds. Some people don’t choose to use a hearing aid for whatever reason and instead use louder devices, light signals and translation to get by.
Paula Shepard says
I also need to say that “getting by” with louder devices and other measures is only a stopgap measure….eventually I’ll HAVE to get hearing aids as my hearing continues to worsen- but eventually is not today or in the foreseeable future.
charlie HUNDLEY says
I have read your entire column of callers to you and answers by you.
I want to tell you what a wonderfull job you are doing so ptofessionately. I have no dog in this , but I was pulled in by the way you handled our people who so desparately need your help.
America has millions of people who are in the same and worse situations , many with no one to help them.
You will be blessed for what you do one day or everyday.
Grace and peace
Charlie Hundley
Free Government Cell Phones says
Very kind of you, Charlie. We appreciate it.