Hard of Hearing?

Is the ringer on your telephone just not loud enough?

We have people stop by our office occasionally seeking a telephone that can be “turned up.” If this is you or someone else in your household, please keep reading.

ITAC (Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation) is the not-for-profit corporation established to provide a Free Equipment Program and Illinois Relay on behalf of landline and most cable and VoIP companies. Hamilton County Telephone participates in this program so our customers can take advantage of this wonderful benefit.

The three requirements to be eligible for free equipment include:

            1)   Be a legal resident of Illinois

            2)    Have a working landline/cable/VoIP telephone service

            3)    Have application signed by your doctor, audiologist, speech language 
                  pathologist, designated DHS/DRS counselor

There are two equipment programs you can apply for:

            1)    Voucher – Equipment Program

                  You own the equipment under ITAC’s Voucher Program and YOU are 
                   responsible for it’s upkeep and maintenance. They have five different 
                   amplified phones to choose from and are designed for individuals that 
                   have difficulty using a standard telephone. Click on each picture to 
                   learn more about its features. All equipment in the Voucher Program 
                   has a 4-year warranty.

            2)    Loan – Equipment Program

                  Under this program, ITAC owns and provides normal upkeep of the 
                  equipment. The Loan Program covers repair and exchange services for 
                  normal “wear and tear,” however any damage of equipment deemed to 
                  be abuse or neglect by the client will be charged to the client.

*Both of these programs offer TTY equipment, specifically designed for deaf or speech disabled individuals that cannot use a standard telephone.

To apply for this program, you can go online: www.itactty.org/web-apply-final.html or call/visit any of the locations below in our region.

CARMI 

Opportunities for Access                          
(Satellite Office)                                            
1725 College Avenue                               
Carmi, IL 62821                                       
Closed 4th Tuesdays                               
618-382-7300 V/TTY  
618-382-7301 Fax

HARRISBURG      
Southern Illinois CIL    
(Satellite Office)
32 Veterans Drive   
Harrisburg, IL 62946
618-252-7233 V/TTY
618-252-7884 Fax

MT. VERNON                                       
Opportunities for Access                        
4206 Williamson Place, Ste 3                  
MT. Vernon, IL 62864                                                                  
618-244-9212 Voice/TTY                                                                 
618-244-9310 Fax                                    
Closed 4th Tues. each Month

Senior Service of Jefferson County
409 Harrison
Mt. Vernon, IL  62864
618-242-3530 Voice
618-242-9212 Fax