What Is TAP?
TAP provides free telephone equipment to eligible Arkansans who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or who have a speech, visual, mobility or cognitive impairment that prevents them from using a standard telephone. TAP is a program within Arkansas Rehabilitation Services that enables individuals to lead more independent lives by providing specialized equipment for communication.
Eligibility
Anyone who meets the following criteria can apply:
- Arkansas resident.
- Personal telecommunication service.
- Disability certified by a qualified professional that prohibits use of a standard telephone.
- Income Eligibility: If your income is $50,000 a year or below, the equipment is free. If you make more than $50,000 a year, a shared cost option is available.
Apply for TAP by downloading the application here.
Types of Equipment
The following list is some of our more commonly distributed equipment. If there is a special need for
equipment that is not listed please contact the TAP office.
Text Telephone (TTY/TDD) - The TTY helps people who are deaf or speech impaired to communicate over the phone by sending and receiving typed messages.
Amplified Telephone - A standard telephone with volume and tone adjustments in addition to large number buttons and louder than normal ring for individuals that are hard of hearing. Some of these phones have caller ID displays, speakerphones, one-touch speed dials and backlit keypads. Some of these phones are also cordless.
CapTel - A captioned telephone for hard of hearing persons enabling them to use their speech for outgoing calls but receive captioned messages for incoming calls.
Talking Phone - A telephone that speaks each number as it is pressed and has jumbo-sized buttons with Braille. Some of these phones also have a talking caller ID.
Signaling Systems - These devices alert a person when the phone is ringing including audible, visual, visual and audible (combination) and tactile.
Hearing Carry-Over Phone - Combination text telephone and standard phone allowing for regular calls, voice or hearing carry-over calls
Artificial Larynx - A handheld, portable voice aid for people who have lost the use of their larynx.
Photo Phone - A telephone with nine large photo, auto-dial, memory buttons on which you can put a picture of the person you want to call.
Speech Amplifying Telephone - This phone amplifies the outgoing voice and has nine photo memory buttons
Hands Free Phone -- This phone offers one-touch access to dialing, answering and memory scanning from up to 40 feet away. Optional accessories are available.
Wireless Program
The Jitterbug J has big buttons and a large bright screen, so it’s easy to see for those with low vision. It is also easier to hear for those who have mild to moderate hearing loss with a powerful speaker.
Download an application (Regular or Large Print).
Contact Us
To receive more information about the program please contact us at:
Voice/TTY: 1-800-981-4463
Voice/TTY: 501-686-9693
VP: 501-246-8219
Fax: 501-683-3011
Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 4:30
Click Here to find the location of the ARS office nearest you for more information about the Telecommunications Access Program (TAP)