3 Communication Technology Programs That Can Benefit People with Disabilities

Kansans may be able to access communication technology under a collection of federal and state programs specifically for individuals with disabilities.

For individuals with disabilities, connectivity programs available include the Kansas TAP (Telecommunications Access Program), the Kansas Relay System, and the iCan Connect program, which is for individuals who have hearing and vision impairments or are deaf-blind. Each program is administered by KU Life Span Institute staff through Assistive Technology for Kansans.

TAP (Telecommunications Access Program) 

TAP provides telecommunications equipment to people who have a certified disability that affects hearing, vision, speaking, memory, walking, or holding a telephone. Free specialized telecommunication devices are provided to qualified individuals who have an income of less than $55,000 a year and have an existing phone service.  

TAP-eligible equipment may include smartphones and tablets, amplified telephones, large number telephones, telephones with talking keys, photo button telephones, emergency response telephones, captioned telephones, hands free telephones, light flasher/loud bell signaling devices and voice dialer accessories. 

Individuals can reach Kansas TAP for help with questions they may have, including information about the nearest demonstration center with equipment available to try out, call 1-800-526-3648. 

The application for TAP enrollment may be found online.

Kansas Relay Service 

The Kansas Relay Service is a public service for people who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard-of-hearing and/or have speech disabilities who use a teletypewriter (TTY) or similar assistive communication device used with standard telephones. 

The 24-hour service facilitates communication by relaying information between two parties through a trained Kansas Relay Communications Assistant and is available every day of the year. There are no restrictions on the number, length or type of calls made, and all calls are confidential. English-to-Spanish and Spanish-to-English translations are also available. 

The Kansas Relay Service is available by calling 711 or 1-800-766-3777. 

For more information, including instructions on how to use the relay service as an individual with a disability or to contact a person who uses an assisted communication device, visit the Kansas Relay Service website.   

iCan Connect 

iCan Connect is a national program that provides free equipment and training for people who have certified impairments in hearing or vision or both who also meet income eligibility requirements. 

To qualify, individuals should have a household that is within 400% of the federal poverty guidelines — about $58,000 for a household of one or about $120,000 for a household of four. Learn more about federal qualifications and information about the program at the iCan Connect website. 

In Kansas, the University of Kansas ATK administers the iCanConnect program. Resources for Kansans and the application for the program can be found at the Assistive Technology for Kansans website.