California’s Voice Options Program (VOP) is funded by the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) through a grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The purpose of the grant is to ensure that every Californian has the ability to make a phone call in case of an emergency. North Star is pleased to participate as a VOP vendor to deliver no-cost speech-generating devices in the form of an iPad with a speech-generating app to individuals across California. North Star is an approved provider for individuals residing in all counties across the state except Orange County.

The following videos include an introduction to augmentative-alternative communication, a demonstration of many of the apps available through VOP, and a demonstration of how the device can be used to make an emergency phone call. Individuals receiving a device through VOP, or their family members and caregivers, may wish to watch these videos prior to their first appointment at North Star in order to allow for a more streamlined appointment.