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How GARD Helps You Find Telecom Services for People With Disabilities

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What GARD is and how it works

GARD stands for the Georgia Assistive Technology for Rehabilitation and Disability program, but it serves South Carolina residents too through a regional partnership. It is a free resource that helps people with disabilities find telecommunications equipment and services tailored to their needs—things like amplified phones, video relay services, captioning devices, and speech-to-text software.

GARD does not sell equipment or provide the services itself. Instead, it connects you with vendors, manufacturers, and service providers across South Carolina who offer these tools. The program maintains a database of products and services, answers questions about what might work for your situation, and points you toward organizations that can help pay for equipment if cost is a barrier.

The service is funded through a combination of state and federal sources, which is why there is no charge to use it. You contact GARD directly—by phone, email, or through their website—describe what you need, and they provide information about options available in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • GARD is a free information service that helps people with disabilities find telecom equipment and services designed for their specific needs.
  • The program connects you with actual vendors and service providers in South Carolina rather than providing equipment directly.
  • GARD can point you toward funding sources and assistance programs that may help cover the cost of equipment.
  • You can reach GARD by phone, email, or online to discuss your telecom needs and get recommendations.
  • Services covered include amplified phones, relay services, captioning, speech-to-text, and other adaptive communication tools.

Types of telecom equipment and services GARD can help with

GARD maintains information about a wide range of communication tools. For people with hearing loss, this includes amplified handsets, hearing aid-compatible phones, video relay services (where an interpreter signs over video), and captioned telephone services that display spoken words as text in real time. For people who are deaf-blind, GARD can point you toward specialized relay services and tactile communication devices.

For people with speech disabilities, the program has information about speech-generating devices, text-to-speech software, and services that let you type a message and have it read aloud. For people with mobility limitations, GARD can help you find hands-free phone systems, voice-activated controls, and switches that let you operate a phone without using your hands.

GARD also covers services like TTY (teletypewriter) devices, which let deaf and hard-of-hearing people type messages over phone lines, and mobile apps that provide real-time captioning or speech-to-text conversion. The database is updated regularly as new products and services become available.

How to contact GARD and what information to have ready

You can reach GARD through the Georgia Tech Assistive Technology and Accessible Media Lab, which administers the program. Contact them by phone during business hours, send an email describing your needs, or visit their website to browse the database yourself. When you call or write, have a clear description of your disability and what you are trying to do—for example, "I have hearing loss and need a phone system that works with my hearing aids" or "I cannot use my hands and need a way to make phone calls."

If you are not sure exactly what you need, GARD staff can ask follow-up questions to narrow down the options. They will ask about your budget, whether you have insurance that might cover equipment, and whether you are already using any assistive technology. The more detail you provide, the more targeted their recommendations will be.

GARD can also tell you about funding programs—both in South Carolina and nationally—that may pay for equipment. Some programs cover the full cost; others require you to pay part of it. Having information about your income and insurance status can help GARD point you toward programs you may be able to use.

Finding funding for telecom equipment through GARD

One of GARD's most useful functions is connecting people with payment options. South Carolina has several programs that fund assistive technology, including vocational rehabilitation services (if you are working or want to work), Medicaid waiver programs, and nonprofit organizations that donate or subsidize equipment. GARD knows which programs are currently accepting requests and what each one requires.

Some programs prioritize people who are employed or seeking employment, so if you work or are looking for a job, mention that when you contact GARD. Other programs serve people of any employment status but may have income limits or require you to contribute part of the cost. GARD can explain the trade-offs and help you figure out which programs might work for your situation.

If you do not may have access to for any funding program, GARD can still point you toward lower-cost options, refurbished equipment, or manufacturers who offer discounts to people with disabilities. Some telecom companies also offer reduced rates for people with disabilities, and GARD has information about those programs too.

What happens after GARD gives you recommendations

GARD provides you with contact information for vendors and service providers, but you handle the actual purchase or service setup yourself. This means you will call the vendor directly, ask questions, arrange a trial or demo if possible, and decide whether the product or service is right for you. GARD does not make the decision for you—they give you the information and options so you can make an informed choice.

If you are pursuing funding through a program GARD recommended, you will typically apply to that program directly. GARD can tell you what documents you will need and how the process works, but the funding organization handles the approval. Some programs require a prescription or recommendation from a doctor or rehabilitation counselor, so ask GARD whether that applies to the program you are interested in.

After you have purchased or set up a service, GARD remains available if you have questions or if your needs change. You can contact them again to explore different options or to learn about new products that have become available.

GARD's role in South Carolina's assistive technology network

GARD is one piece of South Carolina's broader assistive technology system. The state also has a dedicated Assistive Technology Program (ATP) that loans equipment, provides training, and connects people with resources. GARD and ATP work together—GARD focuses on telecommunications specifically, while ATP covers a wider range of assistive devices and tools.

If your needs go beyond telecom—for example, if you also need mobility equipment, computer access tools, or home modification advice—GARD can refer you to ATP or other organizations that specialize in those areas. This network approach means you have multiple entry points depending on what you need and where you start looking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor's referral to use GARD?

No. GARD is open to anyone with a disability who needs telecom equipment or services. You can contact them directly without a referral. However, if you are pursuing funding through a specific program, that program may require a doctor's recommendation or prescription—GARD will tell you what each funding source needs.

What if I cannot afford the equipment even with funding?

GARD can point you toward programs that cover the full cost of equipment, refurbished or donated equipment, and manufacturers who offer discounts. If you still cannot find an option that works, GARD staff can discuss alternatives—for example, a lower-cost device that meets your basic needs, or a service-based solution instead of equipment you have to buy.

How long does it take to get equipment after GARD recommends it?

That depends on whether you are using funding and which vendor you choose. If you are buying directly, it can be as fast as a few days. If you are going through a funding program, approval can take weeks or months. GARD can give you a timeline based on the specific program and vendor you select.

Can GARD help if I already have equipment but it is not working well?

Yes. Contact GARD and describe what is not working. They can suggest alternatives, help you troubleshoot, or point you toward training resources. Sometimes a different product or service will work better for your situation, and GARD can help you explore those options.

Is GARD only for people who are deaf or hard of hearing?

No. GARD serves people with any disability that affects communication or phone use—including speech disabilities, mobility limitations, cognitive disabilities, and deaf-blindness. If your disability makes it hard to use a standard phone, GARD has information about solutions designed for your needs.