1. SOUTH CAROLINA TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM  Bridging the Telecommunications Gap for People with Hearing or Speech Impairments.

2. Free Telecommunications Equipment Through SC TEDP

3. What Is SC TEDP?  SC TEDP is a state supported program that distributes FREE telecommunications equipment to South Carolina residents who have difficulty hearing or speaking over a standard telephone.

4. Who Qualifies For SC TEDP?  In order to qualify for SC TEDP, you must live in South Carolina and have ONE of the following impairments: Deaf Hard of Hearing Deaf-Blind Speech Impairment Blind/Low Vision with Hearing Loss Speech Impaired.

5. Who Manages SC TEDP?  SC TEDP is managed by the S. C. Office of Regulatory Staff and administered by the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind. Walker Hall SCSDB CAMPUS

6. How Is SC TEDP Funded?  The SC Office of Regulatory Staff manages a monthly surcharge of.15 cents on all residential and business phone lines in South Carolina   The surcharge is listed on all phone bills as: Telecommunications Relay Service.15

7. How is the Telecommunications Relay Service Surcharge Used? Telecommunications Relay Service funds the following:  SC TEDP  Dual Party Relay Call Center located in Cayce, SC  Closed Captioning projects on ETV that benefit the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

8. Who Determines the Surcharge on Our Phone Bills? The S. C. Office Of Regulatory Staff recommends the amount of the surcharge based on data related to the cost of servicing the programs which meets the qualifications of need for the State of South Carolina. ORS must submit requests for increases or decreases in the surcharge to the S. C. Public Service Commission. Approval of the request would require all local exchange telephone companies operating in S. C. to impose the revised surcharge on all residential and business phone lines.

9. How Much Will This Cost Me?  The equipment is FREE. Qualifying applicants do not pay for the equipment loaned to them through this program. Additionally, there are no shipping or handling charges for equipment mailed to clients. Installation/training is available FREE upon request.

10. How Do I Apply for Equipment from SC TEDP? Visit our booth today to pick up an application and learn more about our program.

11. Questions About SC TEDP Funding?