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A guide to buying a textphone, 2001 (view report contents)

How to get a textphone

Trying them out

Suppliers will let you try the products they sell, but none of them have the complete range. You will probably need to make an appointment. There are centres for deaf and hard of hearing people in some areas, and some have equipment on display. Some NHS hearing aid clinics may have textphones to demonstrate. Your local social services department should have details. The RNID’s Directory of Services also has addresses - you can search it free on their website or try a library; otherwise £35. See below for organisations that have exhibitions of equipment, but note that they are unlikely to have a large range on show.

Buying a textphone

You can buy a textphone from a supplier. Ask for a 28 day trial period so you can return it if it doesn’t suit you.

Statutory supply

Textphones can be supplied through social services and from employment and education services.

Social services

Social services supply equipment of various kinds. They will carry out an assessment and if this shows you need a textphone, they should make arrangements to make sure you get it. What you pay will depend on where you live and on your finances. The textphone may be lent to you free of charge, you may be asked to contribute towards its cost or you may be given money to buy it yourself. Social services usually maintain the equipment they supply. Look for social services under the name of your local council (Social Work Department in Scotland, Health and Social Services Board in Northern Ireland).

Textphones for education

If you have a disability and are aged between 16-19 and at school your education authority should carry out an assessment to find out what you need. If this shows you need a textphone they should provide it for you on loan. Contact your education authority or ask your school.

If you are in further education your college should provide any equipment you need.
If you are in higher education (degree level) you can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) towards the extra costs you have to meet because of a disability. Apply to your local education authority in England, the Students Awards Agency in Scotland or the Education and Library Board in Northern Ireland. You will need an assessment. There is a limit to how much of your DSA can be spent on equipment, so it is worth trying to see if you can get a textphone from another source (such as Social Services) to leave more of this money for other equipment you may need for the course.

Skill is an organisation for disabled students. It has details of organisations who carry out assessments and details of how to get equipment for students aged 16 or over.

SKILL: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
Chapter House
18-20 Crucifix Lane
London SE1 3JW

Voice: 0800 328 5050
Text: 0800 068 2422
Fax: 020 7450 0650
e-mail: Info@skill.org.uk
www.skill.org.uk

The Advisory Centre for Education provides independent information about education to parents of children under 16:

Unit 1c Aberdeen Studios
22 Highbury Grove
London N5 2DQ

Advice line Freephone 0808 800 5793
Fax 020 7354 9069
e- mail: ace-ed@easynet.co.uk
www.ace-ed.org.uk

Employment service
The Employment Service can help with equipment or adaptations needed to get or do a job. Contact your local job centre (under Employment Service in the phone book). They should put you in touch with a Disability Employment Advisor or Disability Service Team. Their Access to work scheme provides practical help, including grants and equipment, for disabled people who are in work or looking for work. If you need a textphone for work they should be able to provide it for you on loan. Your employer may have to pay towards its cost, but not if you apply within six weeks of starting a job.

 

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Report contents

What are textphones?
How to use
Some main features explained
The display
Printing
Accessories
Deafblind people
Buying Guide
Mobiles
Alternatives
Typetalk
How to get a textphone
Professional advice
Helpful organisations
Suppliers
Acknowledgements