The Missouri Telecommunication Access Program for Internet is the only program of its kind in the United States. The program has been operational since May, 2001 and has provided over 10,250 pieces of adaptive computer equipment to over 4,000 applicants.
The Telecommunication Access Program (TAP), mandated under S.B. 721, includes the Telecommunication Access Program for the Telephone (TAP-T) and the Telecommunication Access Program for Internet (TAP-I) which are administered by the Missouri Assistive Technology Advisory Council.
The Telecommunication Access programs provides the adaptive telephone and computer equipment/devices needed by qualified applicants to translate, enhance or otherwise transform the receiving or sending of telecommunications into a form accessible to individuals with disabilities in the home premise. The programs do not provide basic telephone or internet telecommunication services that supply the transmission and reception of information to and from customer premises.
The Telecommunication Access Program for Internet (TAP-I) provides the basic adaptive computer equipment needed by a qualified applicant to access the internet and e-mail in their home premise.
TAP-I serves eligible applicants throughout Missouri regardless of age or disability. An eligible applicant shall: be certified by a licensed physician, audiologist, speech pathologist, hearing instrument specialist or agency approved by Missouri Assistive Technology as unable to use traditional telecommunications equipment due to disability;
- be a resident of Missouri;
- meet financial income standards;
- have a computer
- have basic internet service.
Computer components or adaptive computer equipment not needed for basic internet access are not provided through the program. Examples of items which will not be provided are: printers, braille embossers, electronics notetakers, personal augmentative communication devices and Global Positioning Software (GPS) or devices.
TAP-I has established a “core” list of adaptive computer equipment which is a list of the adaptive computer equipment most often provided through the program. TAP-I will provide adaptive equipment not included on the “core” list but a request for equipment not included on the “core” list needs to be accompanied with an explanation of why the equipment is needed, along with a weblink about that equipment. Adaptations which are requested that are not on the “core” list can be provided but may not be supported by training.
The Telecommunication Access Program for Internet provides support to consumers both during the application and the usage phases of the program. There are three levels of consumer support providers for the program.
Level I Disability Certification Consumer Support Providers are trained to assist consumers in completing the Telecommunication Access Program for Internet application form and are approved by TAP-I to certify that the applicant is unable to use standard computer equipment for internet and e-mail access. Individual staff members from the Centers for Independent Living, Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, Regional Development Disability Offices or their designated Casemanagement agencies, and qualified individuals have been approved to provide certification. Level I CSP’s provide this service in collaboration with TAP-I and there is no financial reimbursement.
Level 2 TAP-I Consumer Support Providers are responsible for assisting referred TAP-I applicants in the selection of the adaptive computer equipment deemed necessary for basic Internet access in the applicant’s home premise. TAP-I will determine the parameters of assistance necessary to support consumers in the selection of adaptive computer equipment needed for basic internet access. The Consumer Support Provider will do a hands-on demonstration of the adaptive equipment and with the assistance of the applicant make a decision regarding the adaptive computer equipment needed by the applicant to provide access to the internet and e-mail. A signed service agreement with the Telecommunication Access Program for Internet is required for the Consumer Support Providers who provide this level of support.
Level 3 Installation and Training on Use Consumer Support Providers assist a consumer in installing and using the adaptive equipment provided through TAP-I. A signed service agreement with the Telecommunication Access Program for Internet is required for the Consumer Support Providers who provide this level of support. Typically a Consumer Support Provider will have experience with either the output adaptations such as screen readers and magnification software or the input adaptations such as the adaptive keyboards and pointing devices and their contract allows for that level of support. However, if a Consumer Support Provider is knowledgeable about both types of adaptive equipment they can be approved to provide support in both areas.
Level 2 and Level 3 TAP-I Consumer Support Providers shall attend all required TAP-I training events.
Level 2 and Level 3 TAP-I Consumer Support Providers shall invoice the Telecommunication Access Program for Internet by an emailed pdf invoice by the 10th day of each month for services delivered in the prior month.
A Consumer Support Provider should not anticipate nor expect a particular number of applicants or approved consumers will be assigned to the CSP. There is no assurance that the CSP will receive assignments from the program. The Telecommunication Access Program for Internet assumes no obligation to select a particular individual or agency to serve as a Consumer Support Provider. The program reserves the right to terminate a CSP service agreement for any reason including but not limited to consumer complaints, conflict of interest issues, unauthorized software use, unauthorized use of program promotional materials or other issues.
