Speech Generating Devices

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Applications for DDTP Funding of Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) are now available.

  • 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.

  • 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

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

kimbrown@eyegaze.com

Phone:  703-385-8800

Fax:  703-385-7137

Forbes Rehab Services, Inc.

49 South Illinois Avenue

Mansfield, OH 44905

Attn: Ashley Strausbaugh

ashleys@forbesaac.com

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 

tara@essiav.com

Lingraphicare America, Inc.

103 Carnegie Center, Suite 104

Princeton, NJ 08540

Attn: Elsabeth Graebener

egraebener@lingraphica.com

Ph: 888-274-2742

Fax: 609-275-1311

PRC (Prentke Romich Co. – including Saltillo)

1022 Heyl Road

Wooster, OH 44691

Attn: Angie Neveadomi

angie.neveadomi@prentrom.com

Phone: 800-268-5224

Fax: 330-202-5810
Talk To Me Technologies, LLC
3508 Terrace Drive
Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Attn: Kirsten Kane
Kirsten@talktometechnologies.com
Phone: 877-392-2299#705

Tobii/Dynavox Systems, LLC

2100 Wharton Street, Suite 400
Pittsburg, PA 15203

Attn: Alicia Trax

Alicia.trax@tobiidynavox.com

Phone: 800-344-1778

Fax: 866-336-2737
  • 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