 | Steve Stambaugh is the Vice President of the Envision Vision Rehabilitation Center, 610 N. Main St. in Wichita, Kan. The Center provides complete comprehensive vision rehabilitation services to individuals of all ages who are blind or low vision helping to ensure their independence. To schedule your appointment or to learn more about our services, please call (316) 440-1600 or toll free (866) 319-4646 or email rehab@envisionus.com. |
Disability Services
2010-05-01 14:05:00
What is TAP?
Answer: If you have a disability or impairment, it may be difficult or impossible to use an ordinary telephone. Fortunately, the State of Kansas has a program which provides free basic telephone equipment. The Kansas Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) is a telecommunications equipment distribution program. The program is funded through the Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF) and is regulated by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). The purpose of TAP is to provide specialized equipment to Kansans with disabilities or impairments in order to access basic home telecommunications services.
Who can apply?
People who have a hearing, vision, speech, cognitive or mobility impairment, or a combination of these impairments, can apply and receive equipment. You may apply if you meet the following requirements:
•You are a Kansas resident.
•You have telephone service in your home.
• You have a certified disability or impairment that prevents you from accessing basic telephone services with standard telephone equipment.
• You have a household gross income that is less than $55,000 per year. ($3,000 may be added for each dependent claimed.)
How do I apply?
To apply for equipment, complete a TAP application and have your disability or impairment certified by an approved certifying authority. By marking the appropriate box on the application, Envision Everyday staff can assist you in finding the equipment that best meets your needs. Once you have completed the application process, simply return it to Envision Everyday at 610 N. Main, Wichita, Kansas 67203. Envision Everyday will submit your application to TAP for processing. If the eligibility requirements are met, a voucher will be issued for your equipment and Envision Everyday will contact you.
What kind of equipment can I receive through TAP?
•Teletypewriter (TTY)
•VCO & HCO Telephone
•Captioned Telephone (CapTel)
•Large Number Amplified Telephone
•Large Number Telephone with Braille
•Amplified Cordless Telephone
•In-Line Voice Dialer
•Hands-Free Telephone
•Photo Button Telephone
•Light Flasher/Visual Signaler
•Loud Bell Ringer
•Help at Hand Emergency Telephone Dialer
Envision Everyday, a Tap-approved vendor, carries a wide range of adaptive aids that can make everyday life easier for those with visual impairments, as well as other disabilities.
Who owns the equipment?
Once you receive your TAP equipment, you own it. You are fully responsible for any service or repairs beyond those covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and the Kansas Assistive Device "Lemon Law." TAP recommends you complete and mail any warranty cards to the manufacturer or vendor.
You can apply for new equipment every four years. However, you may reapply at any time if your disability changes and different equipment is needed. A statement is required from your certifying authority.
What is Envision Everyday?
The Envision Everyday store, located at the Envision office building, 610 N. Main in downtown Wichita, KS, offers thousands of items that can make daily household and personal tasks easier if you’re low vision or blind. In addition to adaptive aids such as electronics, games and toys, household items, writing aids, watches and white canes, Envision Everyday has significant expertise in adaptive telephones and other communications equipment.
For more information or to receive an application for TAP equipment, call Envision Everyday toll-free at 1-888-311-2299 or 316-440-1680, or visit us online at www.envisioneveryday.com.
