Ability Central (CCAF)

The California Communications Access Foundation (CCAF) manages and operates the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP) for the California Public Utilities Commission. The DDTP provides free specialized telecommunications equipment to anyone Deaf or disabled in California who is unable to use a standard telephone. CCAF provides a wide range of services aimed at helping these historically underserved populations, including home installations of equipment, support from service and call centers, distribution events, and the California Relay Service. In this fiscal year, CCAF provided support and equipment to more than 730,000 Deaf or disabled Californians.

The California Communications Access Foundation has also established a philanthropic wing, called Ability Central, to further its mission of expanding communication and information access for people with disabilities. Ability Central is accomplishing this goal by offering grants and technical support to other disability nonprofits, as well as providing online information and resources for the Deaf and disabled community and people with questions about disabilities and communication access. In this fiscal year, Ability Central awarded $1,129,516 to 27 nonprofit organizations and other causes in support of people who are Deaf or disabled.