Bayfield County Veterans News

Amplified Phones Available For Wisconsin Veterans

Are you a veteran whose service may have exposed you to loud sounds and left you struggling at times to hear on a regular telephone? It is happening all the time to Wisconsin veterans who are experiencing age-related hearing loss or hearing loss related to prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Communication is such an important aspect in all our lives that this situation should not be ignored. Fortunately, the state of Wisconsin operates the Telephone Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP) and it's been making a difference for thousands of people across the state for decades.

TEPP is a Wisconsin state program that provides vouchers to residents with hearing loss so they can obtain amplified phones and improve their utilization of basic telephone services – free of charge. TEPP is administered through the Public Service Commission and funded by a Wisconsin telephone user fee known as the Universal Service Fund. Most people have probably noted the "USF" charge on their phone bill but never knew its purpose. In effect, this is a "pre-paid program" that people are allowed to access if they struggle to communicate on a normal telephone.

The TEPP program will provide free vouchers for telephone equipment given that the following applicant requirements are met:

Wisconsin residency. A voluntary declaration of hearing loss. No receipt of TEPP funding within the last three years.

There are no age or income restrictions.

The telephones offered are rich in features that enable those with a hearing loss to communicate over the phone. These features include hearing aid compatibility, amplified volume, enriched tone controls, extra large numbered keypads, loud ringer volume choices, caller ID enabled, and unique speed-dialing features.

People who apply for the TEPP program can expect to receive their equipment in approximately 4-6 weeks. No additional charges will ever appear on the individuals' phone bill and the amplified phone becomes their property. In several years time, TEPP participants may reapply in order to receive technologically advanced equipment to deal with additional needs. Veterans with any degree of hearing loss should contact

Nancy Brede, CVSO at 715-373-6137

or E-mail nbrede@bayfieldcounty.org

Please enter a search term to begin your search.