Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is CapTel available for No Cost?
CapTel service is part of a federally-funded program regulated by the FCC and is exclusively designed for individuals with hearing loss, under provisions of the American with Disabilities Act. No contract, no hidden fees.
- High-Speed Internet
- Electrical outlet
- Standard dial-tone phone service(in some cases)
Follow the instructions on the No-Cost phone certification form and submit it to CapTel or give to your local Outreach Educator.
Shortly after the completed form is received, we will contact you to arrange your free local on-site installation or delivery.
To certify patients online, visit http://www.captel.com/certification/
CapTel Phones
CapTel 2400i
For people who prefer touch-screen technology, the CapTel 2400i has a large colorful display, dial-by-picture capability, and a built-in answering machine. Includes Bluetooth ® connectivity and speakerphone. Requirements: Telephone service, High-Speed Internet, standard electrical power.
CapTel 880i
Ideal for people with low vision, who have difficulty viewing standard-sized captions, the CapTel 880i has extra large font sizes & display options for easy reading. Requirements: Telephone service, High-Speed Internet, standard electrical power.
CapTel 840i
Designed for people who are comfortable with a traditional-style telephone, the CapTel 840i features a large easy-to-read display with built-in answering machine. Requirements: Telephone service, High-Speed Internet, standard electrical power.
CapTel 840
Designed for people without high speed internet access, the CapTel 840 works with a standard analog telephone line. Both the captions and the voice parts of the conversation are carried over the telephone line. Requirements: Analog telephone line(s), standard electrical power.
Jennifer Weallans
248-550-6866 | jennifer.weallans@oeius.org
What is CapTel?
Short for Captioned Telephone, CapTel is a telephone designed for people with hearing loss. It works like other amplified telephones, with an important addition: Every word your caller says is displayed on the CapTel screen to read. Similar to closed captioning for TV.
About Jennifer Weallans
Meet Jennifer, who has been part of the OEI team since 2015 and has lived in the Metro Detroit area her entire life. She loves what she does! According to Jennifer, "It was by total accident that I became involved in the Hearing Health industry, however now I feel it was not an accident at all, as this is where I was always meant to be. This job provides me the opportunity to do outreach in our community and improve the quality of lives of others. It is an honor and a privilege to help people of all ages and backgrounds to be able to communicate effectively and efficiently over the phone. I’ve seen the difference our CapTel phones have made in the lives of so many and I still get goosebumps (and hugs) on a regular basis! How many people have a job this rewarding? I consider myself very lucky." When not enjoying the numerous perks of her profession, Jennifer enjoys travel, yoga and live music concerts.Jennifer's Team
Dan Meister
Dan became hooked on helping people with hearing loss after he received his own CapTel Captioned Telephone. He loves his job because he and his clients can relate to each other, and he finds it so rewarding to watch them make their first call and actually see and understand what the caller is saying. Dan is always on the go, volunteering at the Animal Humane Society, traveling, walking, and flying on his flight simulator. He also spends time with his two pilot sons, one who is a captain for Delta Airlines, and the other who just finished his 9th tour of duty. He's beyond proud of his sons, and also of the work he does for OEI.