Speech Generating Devices
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On January 11, 2017, the CPUC launched a pilot entitled “Voice Options,” which will connect Californians with speech disabilities to iPads that function as a speech generating device (SGD). On February 24, 2023, the CPUC issued Decision 23-02-022, which adopted Voice Options as a permanent part of the DDTP. To learn more, please visit Voice Options - CA Department of Rehabilitation.
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The CPUC, as part of its Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP), provides funding for Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) as the provider of last resort pursuant to California Public Utilities Code Section 2881.
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Applications for DDTP Funding of Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) are now available.
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The SGDs covered by this application are those identified as durable medical equipment by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Applicants for funding need to have been evaluated by a speech language pathologist (SLP). To qualify for this program, the SGDs must meet the applicant’s needs for access to, and use of, the telephone network based on the recommendation of an SLP.
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The DDTP SGD Application Package for Funding consists of five documents. Please download the five documents from the links below and complete per the instructions.
Application Packet | Authorization for Release | Provider Release Form | Responsibility Letter | Claim Checklist
Those applicants who do not have any public or private insurance that will fund an SGD, in whole or in part, will need to complete a sixth document Letter of Attestation.
SGD provider contact information (alphabetical order):
Vendor | Contact Information |
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Attainment Company, Inc. 504 Commerce Parkway P.O. Box 930160 Verona, WI 53593-0160 |
Attn: Joni Nygard Nygard-joni@attainmentcompany.com Phone: 800-327-4269 Fax: 800-942-3865 |
Control Bionics Inc. 745 Center Street, Suite 303 Milford, Ohio 45150 |
Attn: Sabrina Selm sabrinaselm@controlbionics.com Phone: 513-453-4848 Fax: 513-322-4678 |
EYEGAZE 10363 Democracy Lane Fairfax, VA 22030 |
Attn: Kim Brown Phone: 703-385-8800 Fax: 703-385-7137 |
Forbes Rehab Services, Inc. 49 South Illinois Avenue Mansfield, OH 44905 |
Attn: Ashley Strausbaugh Phone: 888-884-2190 Fax: 877-884-9383 |
Environmental Sound Solutions, Inc. 1701 Westwind Dr Ste 213 Bakersfield, CA 93301 |
Attn: Tara DeBondt Phone: 661-324-904 |
Lingraphicare America, Inc. 103 Carnegie Center, Suite 104 Princeton, NJ 08540 |
Attn: Elsabeth Graebener Ph: 888-274-2742 Fax: 609-275-1311 |
PRC (Prentke Romich Co. – including Saltillo) 1022 Heyl Road Wooster, OH 44691 |
Attn: Angie Neveadomi Phone: 800-268-5224 Fax: 330-202-5810 |
Talk To Me Technologies, LLC 3508 Terrace Drive Cedar Falls, IA 50613 |
Attn: Kirsten Kane |
Tobii/Dynavox Systems, LLC 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 400 |
Attn: Alicia Trax Phone: 800-344-1778 Fax: 866-336-2737 |
- SGD Provider Price Lists
SGD vendors currently providing durable medical equipment under this program and their price lists based on MSRP are listed below. Pursuant to legislation, CPUC reimbursement cannot exceed that of Medi-Cal.
- Assembly Bill 136 (Beall, 2011, Ch. 404) directed the CPUC to include SGDs as part of its DDTP and added speech language pathologists as certifying agents.
- Pursuant to legislation, the CPUC adopted rules to expand the DDTP to include SGDs by January 1, 2014. The CPUC voted out Decision 13-12-054 (December 19, 2013) which put in place these rules.
- In response to CPUC Decision 13-12-054 in R. 13-03-008 implementing AB 136 (Ch. 404, 2011), the Communications Division provided a report dated July 31, 2014 on the status of the first six months of Speech Generating Device distribution for January 1, 2014 through June 30, 2014.
The CPUC Rulemaking (R. 13-03-008) which resulted in the above decision addressing Speech Generating Devices remains open. A workshop on Phase II issues, including non durable medical equipment SGD-like Supplemental Telecommunications Equipment was held April 29, 2014.
SGD Provider of Last Resort Funding Statistics
Voice Options Monthly Status Reports
- November 2020
- December 2020
- January 2021
- February 2021
- March 2021
- April 2021
- May 2021
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- January 2022
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- January 2023
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- November 2023