FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UPDATES COMING TO STATE’S NSTEP PROGRAM
Lincoln, May 15, 2024- Beginning in July, qualified individuals
receiving assistance from the Nebraska Specialized
Telecommunications Equipment Program (NSTEP) will notice
some updates to the program as a result of legislation
(LB 1031) passed during the 2024 legislative session.
Administered by the Nebraska Public Service Commission
(PSC), NSTEP assists qualified individuals who are deaf,
have visual/hearing loss, or a speech disability obtain
specialized telecommunications equipment.
“The NSTEP program helps to provide the deaf, hard of
hearing and visually impaired community access to
telecommunication devices essential for their everyday lives,”
said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “We want to thank
everyone who worked to help make this process even more
accessible to those in need of these services.”
“NCDDH is proud to have collaborated with the PSC since the
establishment of NSTEP,” NCDHH Lead Advocacy Specialists,
Kim Davis said. “The updates to the NSTEP program are a
positive and necessary step in adapting to the constant
evolvement of telecommunication devices and equipment.”
The new law updates the eligibility standards and criteria to
allow two qualified residents living at the same address to
receive telecommunications equipment. Previously only one
resident per household was allowed to receive assistance. It
also allows a recipient of telecommunications equipment to
reapply for NSTEP assistance every three years instead of
every five years.
To be eligible to receive a wireless device (cellphone) or other
qualified telecommunication equipment as a part of
NSTEP, residents must complete an application, including a
certification by a professional that the applicant is deaf, hard
of hearing, or has speech impairment.
Once deemed eligible, applicants will receive a voucher that
they can take to a participating vendor. The voucher will cover
the cost of the equipment up to $1,000. Participants are
responsible for any monthly fees associated with the device,
including a required data plan, if applicable.
Information on NSTEP and how residents can qualify for a
voucher to be used toward the cost of a mobile wireless
device or to apply for other telecommunications equipment
can be found on the For Consumer TRS/NSTEP page of the
PSC website or the NSTEP page of the Nebraska Commission
for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDDH) website. ###
Contact:
Deb Collins- PSC Communications & Media Mgr.
(402) 471-0226 / deb.collins@nebraska.gov
OR
Kelsey Cruz- Marketing and Communications Specialist
Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and hard of Hearing (NCDHH)
(402) 471-3593 / Kelsey.cruz@nebraska.gov
