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iCanConnect/NJ

The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), also known as iCanConnect, provides the equipment needed to make telecommunications, advanced communications, and the Internet accessible to low-income individuals who have both significant vision loss and significant hearing loss.

Program Overview

iCanConnect is administered by the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired  (CBVI), in collaboration with the Center for Sensory & Complex Disabilities at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ).

These two organizations in New Jersey are leading the endeavor to provide distant communications equipment to individuals with combined vision and hearing loss. Through their efforts, individuals who meet the eligibility requirements have been provided equipment such as smartphones, computers, braille devices, iPads and have received the necessary training to be successful and empowered to use their equipment. New Jersey has embraced the unique opportunity to collaborate with the Deaf-Blind experts and programs across the state to identify best practices and streamline their services as the program has evolved over the years.

Logo: text reads iCanConnect/NJ The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program

In response to COVID-19, we are working diligently to effectively meet the needs of our iCanConnect New Jersey consumers. Safety is our main priority and we make every effort to keep our consumers up to date during this sensitive time. Email is the best way to communicate with our team, please contact iCanConnect@tcnj.edu to schedule your Remote Intake Meeting.

Services Provided

iCanConnect/NJ provides distant communication technology equipment to eligible NJ consumers  through the following:

  • Assessment
  • Training
  • Technical Assistance

iCanConnect provides a wide range of communication technology to suit the varying needs of those who have a combined hearing and vision loss. A qualified technology specialist from our team works collaboratively with the consumer and community professionals to identify equipment that will meet the individual needs of the eligible consumer.

Here are some available items:

  • Desktop computers
  • Laptops
  • Tablets
  • Telephones
  • Wireless Devices
  • Screen Readers
  • Accessibility Software

And so much morebrowse the full equipment list

Eligibility Requirements

There are two criteria for an individual to qualify for the iCanConnect Program:

Disability:  must have a combined hearing and vision loss and provide documentation to confirm the diagnosis and include the following with the application:

  • Audiogram
  • Vision report
    or
  • Letter of Diagnosis that results in both loses/Letter of disability attestation from Deaf-Blind Specialist

Financial: is based off of the household income, therefore a person must provide documentation for all person(s) living in the home, or provide proof of government assistance program which would make them automatically eligible

  •  SSI Statement
    • A letter stating your “SSI is the only source of income”
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
  • Medicaid
  • Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps)

Application

(If applicable) and/or outline the application process (ie. referral)

Coming Soon

  • 2021 iCC/NJ Standard Application
  • 2021 iCC/NJ Large Application
  • 2021 iCC/NJ Electronic Application

Mail your application to:

The College of New Jersey/School of Education
Attention: iCanConnect/NJ
PO Box 7718
Ewing, New Jersey 08628

Contact Information

Carly Fredericks
iCanConnect Program Coordinator
iCanConnect@tcnj.edu

(609) 771-2711 (voice)
(609) 637-5144 (fax)


Here are what some New Jersey consumers have to say about their equipment:

“…the equipment has really been life-altering for me.  I no longer strain to read a tiny font on a too-small monitor or wait for my old computer to finally spring to life.”-Caryn Fitzpatrick

“It’s a really good program, it provides you with things you need. It makes me feel like everybody else.”-Ava Bullis (age 10)

“If I didn’t have the apps and tools on my iPhone that I received through iCanConnect, I’d be lost,” -Alice Eaddy

Featured story:

Meet Alice! She is an advocate, athlete and proud NJ resident!

“I’m going to be a guru of adaptive apps,” said the 59-year-old Millville, N.J., volunteer, who was born premature, with limited vision and hearing. Without her tools, “I would never be able to pull off all the magic I do on a daily basis,” she said.

Learn more about Alice’s story here:

http://www.icanconnect.org/news/icanconnect-helps-national-leader-deaf-blind-community-mentor-others

To Learn More