About the Program

Overview

The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), also known as iCanConnect, is a nationwide program that helps eligible individuals who are deafblind obtain communications equipment, individualized training, and ongoing support. By combining communications technology with personalized services, the program helps participants communicate more effectively with family, employers, educators, healthcare providers, emergency services, and their communities. The program is designed to ensure that technology is paired with the training and support needed for meaningful, everyday communication.

About the National Program

The NDBEDP was established by Congress through the Twenty-First Century Communications
and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees the program and certifies organizations in every state and territory to administer services in accordance with federal requirements. Although the program operates nationwide under a common mission, each certified entity develops service delivery approaches that address the unique needs of its state while remaining consistent with FCC regulations and program objectives.

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California's Program

In California, the iCanConnect program is administered by Communication Service for the Deaf,
Inc. (CSD), the FCC-certified entity responsible for administering the state's National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. CSD works in close collaboration with iBraille, LLC to deliver individualized needs assessments, communications equipment, installation, training, outreach, and ongoing consumer support throughout California. Together, the organizations seek to provide timely, consumer-centered services that reflect both national program requirements and the diverse needs of California's deafblind community.

Why Individualized Services Matters

Communications equipment alone does not create communication. Every individual who is deafblind has unique communication methods, goals, daily routines, and environments. For that reason, California's program emphasizes individualized assessments, personalized equipment recommendations, hands-on installation, training, and ongoing support. Success is measured not simply by the distribution of equipment, but by whether that equipment enables meaningful communication and greater independence in everyday life.

Building on Local Experience

California's implementation is strengthened by iBraille, LLC, whose founder has devoted more than two decades to advancing communications access for people who are deafblind. His experience includes helping advocate for the creation of the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program, conducting statewide needs assessments and individualized training, advising California's equipment programs, and working closely with the deafblind community on policy and implementation issues. That experience has helped shape iBraille's consumer-centered approach to communications technology, individualized services, and community engagement. Working in collaboration with CSD, iBraille brings this local knowledge and practical experience to support California's implementation of the NDBEDP.

Our Services

California's iCanConnect program provides a comprehensive range of individualized services,
including:

Eligibility review and program enrollment.
Individualized communications needs assessments.
Equipment recommendations based on each participant's goals.
Equipment ordering, preparation, and installation.
Individualized training for participants and, when appropriate, family members or other support persons.
Follow-up support to help participants make effective use of their equipment.
Community outreach and education to increase awareness of the program.

Our Commitment

Our work is guided by several core principles:

Consumer-centered services.
Respect for individual communication preferences.
Accessible communications and information.
Timely and responsive service delivery.
Collaboration with consumers, families, professionals, manufacturers, and community organizations.
Continuous improvement through innovation and community engagement.

By combining national leadership with local expertise, California's iCanConnect program strives to ensure that every eligible participant receives the technology, training, and support needed to communicate confidently and independently.