FCC Reviews Paperwork for Equipment Helping People Who Are Deafblind
Published Date: 10/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork for the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program to make sure it’s useful and not too much work. They want feedback from people and groups affected, including small businesses and governments, by December 28, 2026. This review could tweak how often and how long it takes to fill out forms, saving time and hassle for everyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Up to $10M annually for deaf-blind equipment
Under section 719 of the Communications Act, programs approved by the Commission are eligible for up to $10,000,000 of support annually from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund to distribute specialized equipment to low-income individuals who are deafblind.
Paperwork burden: 19,421 hours yearly
The FCC estimates this information collection involves 2,222 respondents and 6,067 responses, with an estimated time per response ranging from 0.5 hours (30 minutes) to 40 hours. The total annual burden is 19,421 hours and the total annual cost is $3,000; the FCC is requesting comments by December 28, 2026 on ways to reduce this burden.
Programs must apply to get TRS reimbursements
Entities must apply to the FCC for certification to receive reimbursement from the TRS Fund for NDBEDP activities; the FCC previously certified 56 programs (one per state/territory) for five-year periods, and incumbent programs must apply to renew certifications while potential new entrants must apply for certification.
New suspension/debarment disclosure obligations
Rules adopted in March 2026 require NDBEDP certified programs to submit the disclosures required under 2 CFR 180.335 when applying or recertifying, to update those disclosures annually and upon substantive changes, and to obtain and maintain similar disclosures from lower-tier participants such as contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and suppliers.
Applicant verification, recordkeeping, and reporting rules
Certified programs must require applicants to provide verification that they are deafblind and meet income eligibility, include an attestation on application forms, re-verify eligibility in certain circumstances, permit account transfers on relocation, retain records for at least five years, submit reimbursement claims as instructed, and submit reports every six months (with national outreach entity submitting quarterly claims and an annual outreach report).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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