Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP)

What is STAP?
The Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) provides financial assistance to purchase adapted telephones and augmentative communication equipment to any Texan who has a disability that interferes with his or her ability to access the telephone network. This program is overseen by the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services – Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DARS-DHHS). The office was formerly known as the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TCDHH) and most recently as the Division for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DDHHS).

Who Can Benefit from STAP?
STAP can benefit individuals with various disabilities related to the following conditions:

Finding Your Regional STAP Outreach Center
Grants were awarded to 14 agencies in 11 regions throughout Texas to act as STAP Outreach and Training Sites. Technology and Inclusion is the STAP Outreach and Training Site for the Austin/Bryan/Waco area (Region VII). To find the closest STAP Outreach Center in your area visit: www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs/list.shtml.

As the local STAP Outreach Center, Technology and Inclusion will provide the following services free:

• Application assistance: guide you through the STAP application process
• Equipment consultation: help you select the appropriate communication equipment to access the telephone network
• Certify: verify you are eligible to receive the equipment requested on the application

Find out more about STAP
For more information about the Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) please visit www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs/stap.shtml, www.puc.state.tx.us/relay, or call directly at (512) 407-3250.

To download a STAP application please visit www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs/dhhsforms.shtml.

If you are in the Austin/Bryan/Waco area and would like a free equipment consultation and assistance completing your STAP application, please contact our office to set an appointment.