An official website of the State of Maryland.

Maryland.gov Translate

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Department of Disabilities

Communication Facilitation (CF) Service

The Communication Facilitator (CF) service is a MAT-administered service for Marylanders living with combined hearing and vision loss. The CF service provides equal access to communication to Marylanders who are DeafBlind through the facilitation of all types of communication—including American Sign Language, close-vision, tactile sign language, and more. Calls are made between a DeafBlind consumer and a video caller, through any video platform—including videophone (VP), Video Relay Services, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, Google Meet, and more.

How the CF Service Works

During the video call, the Communication Facilitator, who is a skilled signer, copies sign language from the other video caller and provides visual information to the individual who is DeafBlind through close-vision, tactile sign language, tracking, or another communication method.   
 

With the assistance of the facilitator, individuals who are DeafBlind can have natural, easy conversations with friends, family, coworkers, and more if the service is requested. CF service can be initiated in a person’s home or other public space. 

Next Steps: Using the CF Service

To be eligible to obtain future CF services, you must complete the Communication Facilitator Service DeafBlind Consumer Application and be approved by the MAT program. Once approved, you may complete and submit the Communication Facilitator Service Request Form - DOCX - 214.31 KB.​ ​Individuals who are DeafBlind may also apply for telecommunications equipment through the MAT program and iCanConnect (ICC).

iCanConnect: The National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program

The goal of the National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) is to ensure that every person who is DeafBlind has access to the modern telecommunication tools and the training they need to interact with the world as an involved, contributing member of society. The program—promoted to the public as iCanConnect—provides outreach, assessments, telecommunications technology and training free of charge to those who meet federal eligibility guidelines.

iCanConnect is managed on a state level. To learn more about iCanConnect resources in Maryland—and to download an application—visit www.icanconnect.org/maryland. (This program is not managed by Maryland Relay.)

For more information about the national program, visit www.icanconnect.org or www.fcc.gov/ndbedp.