Voice Options Program 2026 – 2029

Voice Options Program 2026 – 2029 is sponsored by Department of Rehabilitation. The Voice Options Program (VOP) administered by DOR offers eligible Californians with verified speech or language disabilities access to speech‑generating devices and applications (SGDs) to increase independent communication. DOR seeks qualified organizations to deliver assistive technology services under the VOP.

Selected Providers will serve individuals of all ages who have difficulty speaking or cannot speak. Selected Providers shall provide services in the following categories:1. Individual Identification & Eligibilityo Identify individuals of all ages with a speech or language disability who have difficulty speaking or cannot speak.

o Verify eligibility via referral/recommendation from an approved clinician or specialist. 2. Demonstrations, STLs, and Trainingo Maintain demonstration SGDs preloaded with seven (7) VOP applications:1.

GoTalk NOW Plus2. LAMP Words for Life3. Predictable (available for Android devices)4.

Proloquo2Go5. Proloquo4Text6. TouchChat HD w/ WordPower7.

TD Snapo Provide STL devices for a duration of 2–14 calendar days with the seven apps to allow individuals to use for a trial period and select the most suitable app. o Conduct education and training on the SGD’s accessibility features and application use. o DOR reserves the right to add additional approved SGDs and speech-generating applications, as approved by CPUC.

3. LTL Issuanceo Provide LTL devices of new iPads, new Android, or other CPUC-approved SGDs with one VOP application selected by the individual to support independent communication. 4.

Apple and Google App Store Account & Gift Codeso Maintain an Apple and/or Google App Store account to purchase redeemable gift codes for approved VOP apps (one per LTL device). o Submit gift code receipts with invoices for reimbursement. 5.

Documentation & Recordso Complete an LTL device Application and individual served survey for each issued device. DOR staff will provide applications and surveys. o Retain financial and program records, including equipment purchase receipts, for seven (7) years after the grant period.

6. Outreach & Referralo Conduct outreach and make referrals as appropriate to the California Connect and Voice Options programs. Applicants must specify one or more program regions to serve with application materials submitted.

Program Regions with higher populations of individuals with disabilities will be considered for more than one awarded provider. Applicants can be awarded to serve more than one region. Also, DOR reserves the right to award one entity per region to ensure geographic coverage of providers statewide.

The VOP aims to distribute approximately 105 devices per month (1,260 per year) across 10 regions. DOR will post award notifications on its ‘Intent to Award’ webpage. DOR will issue up to 20 total awards.

DOR will make up to $3,150,000 available per fiscal year, for a total of $9,450,000 over the three-year grant term, subject to funding availability. Comments or concerns regarding proposed awards must be submitted via email to Grants@dor. ca.

gov.