(a) The executive commissioner, after consulting with the department, by rule shall establish a specialized telecommunications assistance program to provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities that impair the individuals' ability to effectively access the telephone network to assist the individuals with the purchase of basic specialized equipment or services to provide the individuals with telephone network access that is functionally equivalent to that enjoyed by individuals without disabilities. The executive commissioner may adopt rules that identify devices and services eligible for vouchers under the program.
(b) The department may contract, as necessary, to implement and administer the specialized telecommunications assistance program.