Nebraska Specialized Telecommunications Equipment Program (NSTEP)
- Apply To Have Your Business Listed on Our Vendor Lists
- Description of NSTEP
- List of Vendors*
- Applications
- NSTEP Program Guidelines
- NSTEP Application Request Submit Form
- NSTEP Policies and Procedures*
- Repair Services for TTY's / Amplified Phones
- Types of Equipment You Can Receive
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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.
Nebraska Equipment Distribution Program Guidelines
Selection of Equipment guidelines (Section B on application):
- You may check only one box in Part 1. If your selection does not match one of those categories, check the box marked “Other” and please specify your selection. Remember only specialized telephone equipment can be selected. In other words it must be related to the use of the telephone and specially designed for deaf, hard of hearing, visual and hearing or speech disabilities.
- You may check only one box in Part 2. This part allows you to select a signaling device. You may choose either a visual, audible or tactile ring (vibrating) signaler. For visual ring signalers, a maximum of only 2 remote receivers are allowed.
Eligibility guidelines (Section C on application):
- You must have a hearing, visual and hearing, visual or speech disability which prevents you from using the phone effectively;
- You must be three years of age or older, and can demonstrate the ability to use the equipment;
- You have phone service or have applied for phone service in the state of Nebraska at you place of primary residence;
- You are a current resident of the state of Nebraska;
- Only one person per household may be a recipient of the telecommunications equipment;
- A recipient of equipment may no reapply for assistance more than once
every five years.
Types of Equipment You Can Receive
- CapTel *
- TTY
- Signaling Devices
- Built-In Amplified Telephone
- Cordless Built-In Amplified Telephone
- Telephone Amplifier - In-Line Telephone Amplifier
- Voice Carry Over (VCO) Telephone
- Speech-Impaired Amplified Telephone
- Computer Conversion Package
- Large Visual Display
- Tactile Ring Signaler
- Telebrailer
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Apply To Have Your Business Listed on Our Vendor Lists
- Cover Letter for the Nebraska Equipment Distribution Program Vendor Application *
- Nebraska Equipment Distribution Program - Vendor Application *
*Acrobat Reader is necessary to view these files. Download a free version
here.