CSD Launches Contact Center To Qualify Deaf/HoH Sustainable Broadband Program

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT Release Date: Dec. 6, 2010 Contact: Derric Miller CSD Communications Office Phone: (605) 782-1036 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it CSD Launches Contact Center to Qualify Deaf/Hard of Hearing for Sustainable Broadband Program Deaf/hard of hearing consumers can qualify for a Dell 11Z notebook and 12 months high-speed Internet access — all for only $230. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dec. 6, 2010) — Today, CSD has opened a new contact center and is starting to qualify deaf and hard of hearing consumers from around the nation for Project Endeavor. What is Project Endeavor? Back in July, CSD announced it had been awarded a $14.9 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Agency as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This grant enabled CSD to implement a nationwide initiative to provide discounted equipment (a Dell 11z notebook), high-speed Internet access, and life-skills training, for low-income, underserved deaf and hard of hearing people. CSD has named this two-year campaign Project Endeavor. Project Endeavor is qualifying deaf and hard of hearing people starting today. The program offers a video-configured Dell 11z notebook, which comes with a mobile broadband card, for $230. The retail price of the notebook is $500, meaning consumers save over 50 percent to start with. For the cost of only $230, consumers receive the new notebook computer along with a 12-month 3G/4G wireless Internet access plan — at no additional cost. The 12-month coverage is a $700 savings to the consumer, if not more, depending on where they live in the United States. The notebook is theirs to keep even after the two-year project reaches completion. CSD pursued these funds because as the nation’s largest deaf and hard of hearing service organization, it understood that many deaf and hard of hearing Americans simply don’t have the same level of access to broadband/high-speed Internet services in their homes (or mobile) as their hearing counterparts. In some cases, deaf and hard of hearing people do not have the same financial resources; generally speaking, the deaf and hard of hearing community are more economically disadvantaged than the mainstream hearing community. Project Endeavor changed that concept for deaf and hard of hearing people, and with the 3G/4G wireless plan, consumers will have access not just in their homes, but everywhere they take their notebook computer. “Over the past 35 years, CSD’s has continually operated with the concept of creating new channels of access for deaf and hard of hearing people — to fill those communication gaps hearing Americans rarely experience and quite possibly, do not understand,” said Ben Soukup, CSD chief executive officer. “From being able to stream or download the news, to honing job seeking skills, to using a videophone to keep up with family and friends … Project Endeavor achieves all of this, and so much more. CSD is proud to offer this unique and solely deaf and hard of hearing-centered program to our consumers.” Deaf and hard of hearing consumers, who can verify a bilateral hearing loss of 40db or greater, are encouraged to call the Project Endeavor contact center today. The contact center can be reached in a numbers of ways, depending on the consumer’s preferred mode of communication. The contact numbers are 877-NETME77 (voice), 877-403-4596 (TTY), 605-550-4056 or 605-644-7399 (VP), and 605-782-8446 (FAX). The contact center can also be reached via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information on Project Endeavor, go to www.projectendeavor.com. About CSD — CSD (a.k.a. Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.) was established in 1975, primarily to provide sign language interpreting services to deaf and hard of hearing adults in South Dakota. Today, CSD employs over 1,500 individuals in offices across the nation, providing a broad continuum of social and human services programs, as well as telecommunications relay services. CSD is a private nonprofit agency dedicated to providing quality services; ensuring public accessibility; and increasing awareness of issues affecting the deaf, hard of hearing and individuals with speech disabilities. For more information, please visit: www.c-s-d.org . CSD 102 North Krohn Place | Sioux Falls, SD 57103 | www.c-s-d.org | This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

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