What is STAP?

STAP (Specialized Telecommunication Assistance Program) is a program to help individuals with disabilities access the phone.

Funds are collected by the Public Utility Commission as a tax on all cellphone bills.

Individuals with barriers to phone communication can apply to STAP for funds to purchase a phone that will provide an accommodation for their needs, such as:

• For someone who is deaf – a phone that can send text messages
• For someone who is blind – a phone that can speak to them to tell them who is calling and who they are calling
• For someone with speech impairment – a device that will speak for them using a communication app