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Missouri Telecommunications Access Program
TAP for Telephone provides adaptive telephone equipment and telephone signaling devices for individuals with disabilities in Missouri. A full range of adaptive equipment is provided at no cost to meet the needs of individuals with all types of disabilities.
What are the eligibility requirements?
1. You must be a Missouri resident.
2. You must have telephone service in your home.
3. You must have a certified disability that prevents you from accessing or effectively using basic telephone services with standard telephone equipment.
4. Your annual adjusted income cannot exceed $60,000 for an individual or an individual plus a second exemption, spouse or dependent. For each additional dependent claimed, $5,000 can be added to the $60,000 base level.
What Kind of Equipment Does the Program Provide?
The purpose of the Missouri TAP for Telephone is to provide access to basic voice telephone calling (both sending and receiving) for individuals with all types of disabilities through the delivery of adaptive telephone equipment. The program provides such equipment as text telephones, voice carry over phones, phone for hearing carry over, amplified phones, braille phones, hands-free phones and photo phones.
The program is not designed to provide access to other types of telecommunications, such as two-way radio, alpha-numeric paging, etc. The program is also not designed to assist individuals resolve fact-to-face communication disabilities; thus the program does not provide devices such as hearing aids and augmentative communication devices.
How do I become certified as having a disability?
A professional who can certify applicants must complete a certification form. Professionals who can certify include licensed physicians, audiologists, speech pathologists, or agencies approved by Missouri Assistive Technology, such as Independent Living Resource Center, Inc.
How do I select equipment that will meet my needs?
The TAP for Telephone Equipment Worksheet may assist you in determining which equipment will meet your needs. A professional who is authorized to certify applicants may also use the worksheet and help you identify equipment that will meet your needs. Demonstration equipment is available at locations (such as ILRC) where you may go see and try different devices before making a choice.
How do I apply for equipment?
Complete an application and certification identifying the equipment you need. Send the completed application to TAP for Telephone. If TAP staff have any questions, you will be contacted.
How do I get the equipment?
If you application is approved, the equipment will be shipped to you from the distributor. The equipment should be shipped within 7-10 days from the time the order is placed. You will be notified when your application is approved and equipment is ordered.
What do I do if I get the equipment and need help using it?
Call TAP for Telephone and staff will assist you or will arrange for assistance from an agency near you (such as ILRC).
Who owns the equipment after it is purchased?
You own the equipment and are fully responsible for any service or repairs beyond the warranty. Miscellaneous supplies such as TTY paper and batteries are you responsibility.
How often can I apply for equipment?
You can reapply for equipment every four years. If your disability changes to the point that different equipment is necessary, you may reapply based on your new needs.
For additional information, please contact:
TAP for Telephone
4731 S Cochise, Suite 114
Independence, MO 64055-6975
In-State:
(800) 647-8557 (Voice)
(800) 647-5885 (TTY)
Out-of-state:
(816) 373-5193 (Voice)
(816) 373-9315 (TTY)
Fax: (816) 373-9314
E-mail:
matpmo@swbell.net
To find out if there are programs in other states, please try the following link:
http://www.tedpa.org/ |
