Lynn, state seek to inform disabled about program geared to assist them

LYNN – A state program providing free special needs telephones to people with disabilities can be of help to many members of the Lynn community, but many don’t even know it exists.The Lynn Police Department and Greater Lynn Senior Services are trying to spread the word about the Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program, which provides telephones that can work with any current phone service.MassEDP only requires that its users make less than $50,000 annually, provide proof of residency, and an official note from a doctor confirming a permanent disability. Residents that make more than $50,000 annually can also sign up, but must pay a small one-time fee. Once someone signs up for the program, they are able to use their new telephone for life as long as they still reside in Massachusetts.”A lot of people in this city could use this program, and they don’t even know about it,” said Lynn Police Lt. Marie Hanlon. “It has an easy application and there are many different types of phones.”Some phones have large numbers with braille for the visually impaired, while some have TTY capabilities and large, red blinking alert lights for the deaf and hard of hearing. There are also phones for those with speech or cognitive impairment, including hands-free features and amplified microphone technology. All devices will work in the capacity of a regular phone with the resident’s normal charges, including free emergency and 911 calling.”Some of the elderly residents living in the GLSS system think calling 911 costs money, and it doesn’t,” Hanlon said. “We want to let everyone know about these phones and the importance of having a phone that is easy to use in case of emergencies.”Phones may be picked up at any MassEDP location once they have been ordered or they may be shipped; blind and cognitive/motion impaired residents are eligible to have a Mass EDP come to their home to set up their phone. The program also covers routine repairs.MassEDP is funded through a surcharge on all voice and data telephone lines identified as “911 and disability services” on phone bills and is administered by the Massachusetts State 911 Department. The program was developed by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable.Applications and more information are available at www.massedp.com. For those who do not have access to a computer, applications are available by calling (800) 300-5658 Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Lynn residents may also request more information by calling the Lynn Police Department.