Assessments help ensure that each eligible consumer receives the equipment that best meets their communication needs. Before equipment is provided, a qualified assessor completes an individualized communication assessment to evaluate the consumer's hearing and vision loss, communication methods, technology experience, daily communication needs, and goals. The assessment is also used to determine which equipment will best support access to telecommunications, the internet, and advanced communications services. As part of the assessment process, the applicant's eligibility is verified, including both the FCC's deaf-blind definition and the program's income requirements.
Eligible Expenses for Assessment Costs can be found in the NDBEDP Filing Instructions or in Eligible Expenses for the Centralized Database.