Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program
STAP History

In 1997, the Seventy-Fifth Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 667. This law requires that the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas and the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard-Of-Hearing (TCDHH) establish a program to provide financial assistance that will allow certain individuals to purchase specialized telecommunications devices. Persons who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard-of-hearing and speech-disabled who need special telecommunications devices in order to access the telephone network are qualified. The law was created to allow access into telephone network that is functionally equivalent to that enjoyed by individuals without a disability of hearing or speech. The Texas Universal Service Fund (TUSF) subsidizes the program.

In 1999, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1441, which expanded the STAP to include individuals whose disabilities impair their ability to effectively access the telephone network. This means that the program is no longer limited to persons who have disabilities of hearing or speech only. Also, the program now includes services that provide telephone network access, whereas the program was previously limited to equipment only.

In 2001, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2345, which again modified the STAP. The changes included changing the waiting period to get another voucher from seven years to five years, allowing only one person per household to receive a voucher (with exceptions). For a full review of this law, go to www.puc.state.tx.us/relay/about/HB2345.cfm

In 2003, the STAP was again updated to provide two-way pagers for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The PUC is responsible for STAP vendor registration and reimbursement. The PUC also intervenes if there is a problem between an STAP voucher recipient and a vendor. Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is responsible in defining eligibility standards for those who may receive a voucher; to determine a reasonable price for a variety of basic specialized telecommunications devices; and to review applications to determine eligibility for a voucher. Together, both agencies will work to identify devices and services that will be eligible for vouchers under the program.

The Relay Texas Advisory Committee has the responsibility of advising the PUC and Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing on issues relating to the STAP. The Relay Texas Advisory Committee would be the logical starting point for any one wishing to express concerns or suggestions regarding STAP. The PUC and Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing staffs are also available for questions and suggestions.

Questions or concerns regarding equipment, applications or vouchers should be directed to Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Questions regarding vendor registration and reimbursement should be directed to the PUC.

Last Updated: 02/19/04