Partner With Us
Advancing the Future of Communications Access
Communications technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Artificial intelligence, wearable technology, mobile devices, cloud services, and other innovations are transforming how people communicate, learn, work, and participate in everyday life. Yet many people who are deafblind continue to rely on older technologies because relatively few products are designed with their communication needs in mind. Even when promising technologies become available, they often require accessibility improvements, consumer testing, individualized training, or additional research before they can be used effectively.
California has long been a leader in accessibility, technology, research, and innovation. Building on that tradition, iCanConnect California program believes that expanding communications access requires ongoing collaboration among consumers, manufacturers, researchers, universities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, technology companies, and independent professionals.
Innovation Through Collaboration
The Federal Communications Commission has recognized the importance of innovation in advancing communications accessibility through initiatives that highlight emerging technologies and creative solutions. iCanConnect California program embraces that same spirit by encouraging collaboration that improves communications access, strengthens program services, and helps identify technologies that will benefit deafblind consumers today and in the future.
Our goal is not simply to distribute equipment. We seek to help build an ecosystem that encourages innovation, practical problem-solving, and meaningful communications access throughout California.
How You Can Contribute
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New communications equipment or assistive technology.
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Accessibility improvements.
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Artificial intelligence applications.
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University or community research.
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Consumer usability studies.
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Educational resources.
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Pilot projects.
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Service improvements.
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Grants, sponsorships, or philanthropic initiatives.
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Other innovative ideas that expand communications access.
Support Innovation
Innovation often depends upon collaboration beyond the services funded through the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. Foundations, corporations, universities, nonprofit organizations, researchers, manufacturers, and individual innovators can help advance communications accessibility through research, product development, demonstrations, educational initiatives, grants, equipment donations, internships, and other collaborative efforts. If your organization shares our commitment to expanding communications access, we welcome the opportunity to explore how we might work together.
What Happens After You Contact Us?
Every submission is reviewed individually. Depending on the nature of your idea, we may contact you for additional information, request a demonstration, discuss opportunities for collaboration, or retain your information for future consideration. While every submission may not result in a formal partnership, every idea helps strengthen iCanConnect California program.