iCanConnect (iCC)

(National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program)

The Division administers the iCanConnect program in Colorado. iCanConnect is often known as the National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP).

In 2012, iCanConnect enabled the Communications Technology Program to expand its telecommunications service by providing qualified DeafBlind individuals with modern telecommunication tools.

These tools allow two-way communication between DeafBlind individuals and their community members. Technology includes smartphones, laptops, braille devices, and much more.

Explore the full range of available devices and accessories directly on the iCanConnect website.

Watch a Video About iCC in ASL (YouTube)

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for iCanConnect, you must meet the program’s disability and income eligibility guidelines.

Additionally, a professional must attest that the applicant’s combined hearing and vision loss meets the program’s definition. Examples of professionals include:

  • A community service provider
  • Educator
  • Healthcare provider
  • Vision or hearing professional
  • Vocational rehabilitation counselor
  • A medical or health professional.
Apply for the iCanConnect Program (External Link)

Guideline Definitions

Vision Loss
Defined by one of the following: 

  • Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses
  • A field defect such that the peripheral diameter of the visual field is no greater than 20 degrees
  • Progressive visual loss with a prognosis leading to one or both of above conditions

Hearing Loss

Defined by one of the following: 

  • Chronic hearing disabilities so severe that most speech cannot be understood with optimum amplification
  • Progressive hearing loss having a prognosis leading to above condition

Income Eligibility

In addition to significant vision and hearing loss, your household must be within 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify for iCanConnect. See below for the guidelines chart.

There are two ways to prove income eligibility:

  1. Documentation of current enrollment in a federal program with the same income eligibility requirement—such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), federal public housing assistance or Section 8, food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit.
  2. Documentation that all household income is within 400% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Number of persons in
a family/ household

400% for everywhere, except Alaska and Hawaii

400% for Alaska

400% for Hawaii

1

$63,840

$79,800

$73,440

2

$86,560

$108,200

$99,560

3

$109,280

$136,600

$125,680

4

$132,000

$165,000

$151,800

5

$154,720

$193,400

$177,920

6

$177,440

$221,800

$204,040

7

$200,160

$250,200

$230,160

8

$222,720

$278,600

$256,280

For each additional person, add

$22,720

$28,400

$26,120

How to Apply

If you meet the eligibility requirements, download the application.

● You can complete and sign the application digitally.
● You can print the application and fill it out by hand.
● You can request an application to be mailed to you in print or Braille. 
● Please note – part of the application is a disability verification that
needs to be completed by a medical professional.

Open the iCanConnect DeafBlind Devices Application (Google Doc)

Equipment and Technology

The iCanConnect equipment page provides an overview of the types of distance communication equipment the program can provide to stay connected to friends, family, and the world.

Equipment Categories

  • Accessories
  • Braille Devices
  • Computers
  • Mobile Devices
  • Phones
  • Signalers
  • Signalers

The list is updated regularly. iCanConnect Equipment

iCanConnect professionals will work with participants to identify each person’s specific needs. 

Program Contact:

Email: ctap.cddhhdb@state.co.us
Phone: 303-866-2097