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Department of Disabilities

Programs and Services

Maryland Accessible Telecommunications Program

The Maryland Accessible Telecommunications program provides Maryland residents with an opportunity to apply for a no cost loan of telecommunications equipment to independently make or receive calls.​

Get the telecommunications equipment needed to independently make or receive phone calls. The Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program offers a wide variety of solutions and tools—from amplified phones ​to Captioned Telephones to tablets—to support day-to-day communications​.

(VCO) Voice Carry-Over

Voice Carry-Over, or VCO, is a Maryland Relay service for people who can speak clearly, yet have significant difficulty hearing what is being said over a standard telephone.

RCC (Remote Conference Captioning)

RCC allows people who have difficulty hearing over the phone during conference calls to read text of what all participants are saying.​

Braille TTY

Those who are DeafBlind can use a Braille TTY to make and answer calls through Maryland Relay. A Braille TTY includes a keyboard, which allows the user to type his/her side of the conversation, and a Braille display for reading the other person’s responses.

TTY

People who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have difficulty speaking can use a TTY (also known as a text telephone) to make and receive calls through Maryland Relay. A TTY has a keyboard, which allows the user to type his/her side of the conversation, and a text screen to read the other person’s responses.

Communication Facilitator (CF) Service

The Communication Facilitator (CF) service helps DeafBlind Marylanders communicate over video calls. Managed by MAT, the service uses trained facilitators to support all forms of communication, including American Sign Language, close-vision, and tactile signing.

DeafBlind users can connect with anyone on platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, Video Relay Services, or standard videophones.

Other Services

If you, or a loved one, have difficulty using a standard telephone, Maryland Relay makes it easy to place and receive calls. Maryland Relay services are available for free. You are responsible for paying your monthly telephone bill to your chosen service provider. Long distance rates may apply according to your telephone service.