iCanConnect – Federally funded nationwide program with local contacts to help people stay connected with friends, family, their community, and the world. iCanConnect provides free equipment and training to people with both significant vision and hearing loss who meet disability and income guidelines.
Vision loss is defined by one of the following
Hearing loss is defined by one of the following
In Indiana, Perkins School for the Blind is responsible for iCanConnect, and works with Easter Seals Crossroads and others to provide in-state service. Contact Belva Smith with questions about applying in Indiana, and download an application.
People eligible for iCanConnect receive an assessment to identify solutions to support their distance communication goals. Then, participants are provided equipment and training that meets their needs. Examples include smartphones, tablets, computers, and braille devices.
See how iCanConnect is helping people with both significant vision and hearing loss to stay connected:
For general iCanConnect questions, contact Laura Vaughan, Perkins School for the Blind, at 617.972.7619.
Belva Smith
Easter Seals Crossroads
4740 Kingsway Drive
Indianapolis, Indiana 46205
Phone: (317) 466-2001 x2110
Fax: (317) 466-2000
iCanConnect Hearing and Vision Impaired Application Resources
Blind & Visually Impaired Services (BVIS) through FSSA
BVIS provides services to eligible Hoosiers that are blind or visually impaired.
For information regarding Blind and Visually Impaired Services contact staff at: [email protected] or at 877-241-8144.
Older Independent Blind Program
The Older Independent Blind/Visually Impaired Program expands independent living services for people who are age 55 and older, and have a severe visual impairment. Through a grant from the Department of Education, Older Blind Program, Indiana Blind and Visually Impaired Services provide funding to contractors across the state in order to provide in-home independent living training to older individuals with significant vision loss.
Click here for a listing of OIB providers by county.
For information regarding the Older Independent Blind/Visually Impaired Program please contact the OIB program director at [email protected] or 877-241-8144
Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging provide information, referrals and help connecting with local support services. Find the agency serving your county using the directory or interactive map.
Learn about Indiana’s Older Americans Act programs and Family Caregiver Support services.
The INconnect Alliance is comprised of fifteen Aging and Disability Resource Centers, serving sixteen areas, throughout Indiana. We are committed to helping you find the information and resources you need as you navigate the complex care puzzle and system of long-term services and support. Our goal is to put knowledge at your fingertips. The more you know, the better decisions you can make for yourself or someone you care about.
Please call 800-713-9023, or type in the city/town or click on the map to find the appropriate resource:
INconnect Resources include:
A resource of all available government and private services for eldercare and eldercare support. Indiana Caregiver Resources (careindiana.org)
Explore Indiana mental health and addiction services
Feeling sick or need medical advice and need to speak with a doctor?
To speak to a doctor now, click here. This service is available to you and your patient 24/7 at no cost!
Find food assistance options and information about how to access them through this resource.
Use Indiana’s food assistance page to find guided searches for nearby food pantries, food vouchers and meal programs.
Use the Home Delivered Meals search linked from Indiana’s food assistance page to find local meal delivery resources.
CICOA’s My Freedom program provides transportation information for central Indiana. Check its service area and participation requirements.
Review housing or shelter assistance and the steps to request help.
CHIP Indianapolis provides information for people seeking help with housing or homelessness in the Indianapolis area.
Find information about assistance with household energy, phone or internet costs and how to apply.
Find information about assistance with household energy, phone or internet costs and how to apply.
Review financial assistance services and application information for your household.
Indiana IMPACT provides employment and job-training information for participants seeking work-related support.
Find organizations and services that can connect you or your family with support.
Visit: Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence resources
Child Care Aware offers guidance for families looking for child care and assistance with child care costs.
