Update from DARS about Access to Telecommunications

The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) published the following update about access to telecommunications:

"Dear Community Partner:

As always, we continue to update you about issues of importance at the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and to you.

Disabilities History and Awareness:

Decades of Legislation Support Access to Telecommunications

Telecommunications has become such a common tool that its use is essential for participation in nearly all aspects of our society. If telecommunications technologies were not accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, many qualified individuals would not be able to work or achieve their full potential in the workplace or carry out any number of routine daily activities.

Legislative History

Public support of accessible telecommunications has been reflected in legislation that reaches back many decades. But the cause took a leap forward in 1982 with the passage of the Telecommunications for the Disabled Act. This federal law mandated telephone access for deaf and hard-of-hearing people at public places like hospitals and police stations. It required all coin-operated telephones to be hearing-aid compatible by January 1985. The act also called for state subsidies for production and distribution of telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDDs).

In 1997, the 75th Texas Legislature moved access to telecommunications still further along with the passage of Senate Bill 667, which ensured telephone network access for individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, and speech-disabled. The Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TCDHH), which evolved into the DARS Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS), led the implementation of the bill's requirements. Together with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), TCDHH established a financial assistance program to help individuals with certain disabilities purchase specialized telecommunication devices. The Texas Universal Service Fund<http://stap.puc.state.tx.us/Stap/TUSF.pdf>, administered by the PUC, subsidizes the program, best known by its acronym STAP (Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program).

In 1999, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1441, expanding STAP to include all individuals with a disability that impairs the ability to effectively access the telephone network. This meant that the program was no longer limited to individuals having disabilities involving only hearing or speech. Also, the program added services that provide telephone network access, whereas the program previously was limited to equipment only.

How it Works

Individuals interested in requesting assistance from STAP must complete and submit an application to DHHS, where it is reviewed to determine if the applicant meets the criteria as defined by law. Qualifying applicants are sent a voucher that can be used to purchase telecommunication equipment or services. The face value of the voucher is determined by the approved equipment. Only registered vendors can redeem vouchers. However, if a non- registered vendor wants to accept the voucher, they may apply to become a vendor in the program.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas is responsible for STAP vendor registration and reimbursement and also intervenes if there is a problem between a STAP voucher recipient and a vendor.

The Measure of Success

'In 2010, the Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services issued more than 27,000 equipment and service vouchers,' said DARS STAP Administrator Margaret Susman.

'Thanks to this service, people with hearing loss or other disabilities can call home if they're late for dinner, participate in conference calls for work, call for emergency assistance, and access other services that are taken for granted by so many,' she added.

"STAP and DARS link these consumers to their friends and families, their communities, and the world.'"