Our story
Accessible Tech was founded to bridge the gap between therapy and everyday life for individuals with developmental disabilities. We saw the challenges faced by families and professionals who needed simple, effective tools to help their people communicate and thrive.
Florida SUFS
The SUFS (Step Up For Students) program offers Florida families access to innovative speech and language tools through the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA) to access devices and speech applications at no cost.
Illinois ITAC
ITAC (Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation) is an Illinois non-profit governed by the Illinois Commerce Commission. They provide services and equipment for deaf, hard of hearing, and speech disabled communities. As an approved vendor with ITAC, individuals can receive the latest Apple iPad with the TippyTalk AAC speech app at no cost.
South Carolina's SCEDP
The SCEDP (South Carolina Equipment Distribution Program) provides no-cost communications equipment to South Carolinians living with a hearing or speech challenge. SCEDP is administered by the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff.
We’re in the process of setting things up so we can provide this program soon.
Tennessee DHS
Tennessee Department of Human Services offers a program for speech impaired individuals or individuals with developmental disorders receive the latest Apple iPad and the TippyTalk app at no cost.
We’re in the process of setting things up so we can provide this program soon.
Texas STAP
STAP (Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program) is a Texas Health and Human Services initiative that provides free communication tools and resources for speech impaired individuals. Through the Texas HHS STAP, qualified applicants can receive an Apple iPad with the TippyTalk AAC speech app.
Wisconsin TEPP
Wisconsin's TEPP (Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program) is a State-funded program aimed at helping individuals with disabilities buy specialized equipment, at subsidized costs, in order to use basic telecommunication services. Through the Wisconsin TEPP, qualified individuals can receive an Apple iPad with the TippyTalk AAC speech app for a low cost.
Rick Renner
Managing Partner
Rick has deep experience in technology development and deployment, with a focus on products supporting individuals with special needs. Before Accessible Tech, he was CFO and Partner at Integrated Listening Systems, and co-founded Econergy, a renewable energy company that built over 250 MW of assets across Latin America. At Accessible Tech, he oversees operations and leads new product development.
Kevin Custer
Partner
Kevin has over 25 years of experience in education and healthcare technology and is the Founding Partner of Accessible Tech and Arc Capital. He has launched six startups, three reaching over $20 million in revenue within three years, and two going public. His companies’ products serve over half of U.S. K–12 schools and millions of users each week.
Alex Lujan
Partnership Program Manager
Alex joined Accessible Tech from Family Engagement Lab, where she worked with schools to deploy FEL’s tools bridging classroom curriculum with at-home learning. Prior to FEL, Alex managed strategic partnerships for GoGuardian, an education technology tool. Alex was a community engagement fellow for Americorps prior to getting her MBA from UCLA.
Tammy Shauer
Family Advocate and Customer Support
Tammy is a family advocate for the Wisconsin TEPP program, inspired by her own experience raising a child with disabilities. She joined Accessible Tech to help families navigate support programs and ensure they receive the tools they need. She also provides product support on using Accessible Tech’s tools.
Angela Baker
Family Advocate
Angela is a family advocate for the Texas STAP program with a background in law. Her legal experience strengthens her ability to help families access the resources and support they are entitled to, while ensuring they feel guided throughout the process with clarity and care.
Jocelyn Dickman
Family Advocate
Jocelyn is a family advocate for the Texas STAP program, where she helps families apply for and access assistive technology. She is dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and ensuring they receive the tools necessary to improve their daily lives.
Holly Crowder
Administrative Assistant
Holly is the administrative assistant for Accessible Tech, supporting operations across all programs.
She manages day-to-day administrative needs, ensuring families and team members receive timely and effective support.