Office for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired (ODHI)
Independent Living Services (ILS)
Telecommunications Access Program (TAP)
ODHI provides programs and professionals who are trained in the unique technology, culture and communication issues that impact the lives of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing by providing direct services to those individuals. This is accomplished through our Independent Living Services and through community outreach offerings that include consultation services to employers, agencies and individuals through:
o Technical Assistance in job accommodations
o Development of Communication Strategies
o Interpreter Evaluations and Protocols
o Rehabilitation Technologies
Independent Living Services (ILS)
MISSION: Our mission is to provide direct services to Arkansans who are deaf or hard of hearing. ILS’ goal is to enable people who have a hearing loss to become independent in their homes and communities.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing whose major needs are not immediately related to work are the primary clients of ODHI’s Independent Living Services Program. However, ILS may also be provided in support of Vocational Rehabilitation Services or to prepare a person for vocational training.
The ILS Program is carried out through IL Counselors assigned to different areas of the state. The IL Counselor works with the consumer to develop independent living skills and set realistic goals. ILS may begin early in the consumer’s life, as soon as hearing loss is diagnosed or later in life as lifestyles or environments change and present functional barriers.
ELIGIBILITY: Services are provided to individuals who meet income and severity of hearing loss guidelines. Income eligibility maximums are based on family size.
SERVICES: Services are based on an individual independent living plan and may include: counseling; audiological and medical evaluation; independent living skills training; adaptive equipment; basic sign language instruction to the individual or family members; interpreter services to support other planned services; information and referral; and advocacy.
The ILS Program also conducts community awareness programs to enhance the understanding and integration of individuals with disabilities.
For more information on Independent Living Services through ODHI, contact: Administrator, Independent Living Services Program, 26 Corporate Hill Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205. Telephone (501) 324-9521 (V/TDD)
What Is TAP?
TAP provides free telephone equipment to eligible Arkansans who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or who have a speech, visual, mobility or cognitive impairment that prevents them from using a standard telephone. TAP is a program within Arkansas Rehabilitation Services that enables individuals to lead more independent lives by providing specialized equipment for communication.
Eligibility
Anyone who meets the following cirteria can apply:
- Arkansas resident.
- Personal telecommunication service.
- Disability certified by a qualified professional that prohibits use of a standard telephone.
- Income Eligibility: If your income is $50,000 a year or below, the equipment is free. If you make more than $50,000 a year, a shared cost option is available.
Types of Equipment
The following list is some of our more commonly distributed equipment. If there is a special need for equipment that is not listed please contact the TAP office.
Text Telephone (TTY/TDD) - The TTY helps people who are deaf or speech impaired to communicate over the phone by sending and receiving typed messages.
Amplified Telephone - A standard telephone with volume and tone adjustments in addition to large number buttons and louder than normal ring for individuals that are hard of hearing. 
Some of these phones have caller ID displays, speakerphones, one-touch speed dials and backlit keypads. Some of these phones are also cordless.as the Starplus 45 but there is no Caller ID.
CapTel - A captioned telephone for hard of hearing persons enabling them to use their speech for outgoing calls but receive captioned messages for incoming calls.
Talking Phone - A telephone that speaks each number as it is pressed and has jumbo-sized buttons with Braille. 
Some of these phones also have a talking caller ID.
Signaling Systems - These devices alert a person when the phone is ringing including audible, visual, visual and audible (combination) and tactile.
Uniphone - Combination text telephone and standard phone allowing for regular calls, voice or hearing carry-over calls
Artificial Larynx - A handheld, protable voice aid for people who have lost the use of their larynx.
Photo Phone - A telephone with nine large photo, auto-dial, memory buttons on which you can put a picture of the person you want to call.
Speech Amplifying Telephone - This phone amplifies the outgoing voice and has nine photo memory buttons
Hands Free Phone -- This phone offers one-touch access to dialing, answering and memory scanning from up to 40 feet away. Optional accessories are available.
Apply for TAP (download application here)
TAP announces the second phase of a Wireless Trial Program for interested participants beginning July 1, 2010.
The trial is for a one-year period with a maximum of 100 participants.
The following equipment will be utilized in this phase of the program.
The Jitterbug J has big buttons and a large bright screen, so it’s easy to see for those with low vision. It is also easier to hear for those who have mild to moderate hearing loss with a powerful speaker.
Click here to learn more about the Jitterbug J.
If you are deaf, have a profound hearing loss or are speech impaired, and are interested in a wireless pager with data service only, click here for more information on this service.
Contact Us
To receive more information about the program please contact us at:
Voice/TTY 1-800-981-4463
Voice/TTY 501-686-9693
VP 501-246-8219
Fax 501-683-3011
Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 4:30
CLICK HERE to find the location of the ARS office nearest you for more information about the Telecommunications Access Program (TAP)
