Kansas Telecommunications Access Program (KS TAP)


The Telecommunications Program (TAP) was established in 1997 and provides equipment to persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have other sensory or mobility impairments that interfere with conventional access to telecommunications.  At present, TAP serves approximately 1,200 Kansans every year.  Parsons management provides oversight to 12 demonstration sites across the state.  Six of the twelve sites are the ATK AT Access Sites located in Oakley, Garden City, Salina, Wichita, Topeka, and Parsons. Six other demonstration centers collaborate with TAP in providing outreach and demonstration of accessible telecommunications.

TAP staff demonstrate the features and operations of the telecommunication access equipment available through the program.  Demonstration sites have established hours where staff trained on TAP equipment are available to meet with the public.  Kansans who are not able to use conventional telecommunications equipment as determined by a qualified professional, and who earned $55,000 or less per year and have not received equipment from the program within the past four years may be eligible to receive equipment, installation of the equipment, and training of identified telecommunications equipment. Approved equipment is ordered and shipped directly to the consumer unless advanced installation and training is needed.

The TAP Director provides quarterly data to the ATK Advisory Council regarding applications received, equipment provided, on-site installations, training, and troubleshooting/conflict resolutions conducted.

Funding Agency

Kansas Corporation Commission

Collaborating Agencies

Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center
Families Together
OCCK
Resource Center for Independent Living
Southeast Kansas Independent Living

Website

Kansas Telecommunications Access Program

Principal Investigator

Staff