Texas STAP | Accessible Tech

STAP is a Texas Health and Human Services initiative that provides free communication tools and resources for speech impaired individuals. Through the Texas HHS STAP, eligible individuals can receive the latest Apple iPad with the TippyTalk AAC speech app.

Here’s how it works: After submitting your details, one of our program managers will contact you for a brief call to guide you through the STAP application process. Once approved, we will ship your new iPad and guide you through the setup process for the app.

Start your application by submitting the web form

Have a brief call with one of our STAP program managers

Speech Language Pathologist verification (can be assisted by Accessible Tech)

Get iPad and TippyTalk AAC app

Two-way communication

Users can communicate with their community anytime, from anywhere, with messages delivered in real time to their community members devices.

Communication made simple

Simple, fast, and ready to use. You can get started in just a few minutes, rather than hours setting up traditional AAC apps.

Custom image library

Personalized to fit your loved one’s daily life and environment, the app comes with thousands of ready-to-use photos and cards plus the option to add even more, so communication is always relevant and meaningful.

Designed for all ages

The TippyTalk app is suitable for children, teens, and adults, accommodating users with a variety of abilities and needs. It’s designed to be flexible and easy to use, so everyone can engage at their own pace.

"I'm still emotional after trying so many apps for my non verbal daughter who's 19 and diagnosed with Cohen syndrome. I'd given up until I just tried TippyTalk. Demi's first text sent was I want a hug nothing could top what I'm feeling right now."

Antoinette Ní Noiréis

"I totes LOVE IT!! What I love more is seeing my 8 year old non verbal daughter’s smile, secondly is the ease and we can edit the words and add recordings... thank you TippyTalk! Will definitely recommend to my networks."

Margaret Brass

"I can't really explain how I feel. My 4 year old uses pecs and within 48 hours was on a roll using his iPad and TippyTalk app. I can't believe how quick he's picked it up. Such a massive difference in our world xxx."

Heather Edwards

iPad and App Using device and app Financially accessible Empower your loved one

iPad and TippyTalk

Receive the latest iPad & TippyTalk AAC app completely free

You can receive the latest Apple iPad completely free through this program. The iPad is yours to keep, and it comes with access to the TippyTalk AAC app at no additional cost. Plus, it functions like any other iPad, so you and your loved one can use it for other purposes as well.

Easy to use

The TippyTalk AAC app is user-friendly and designed to be simple for children and their community alike. No complex setup is required and the app can be customized to your loved ones daily needs and environment.

Financially Accessible

By applying to STAP through Accessible Tech, your family can access this empowering tool at no cost, easing financial constraints while providing you and your loved one with a valuable resource used for daily communication.

Empower your loved one with better opportunities

With the ability to communicate more effectively, your loved one is empowered to take part in social and educational opportunities they may have previously struggled with. This increased independence opens doors for improved learning, interaction, and personal growth.

What happens after I fill out the details above?

Once you've filled out the form above:

A program manager will reach out by phone or text to walk you through the application process and answer any questions you have.
Your application will be delivered to your designated mailing address from a USPS Priority Mail envelope. Please open, sign and return.
You will need to provide proof of TX residency. You can upload them securely using our website forms or send those to us via text or email.
STAP requires certification from a licensed professional. If you're not currently working with someone, we can help arrange a 20-minute teletherapy appointment at no cost to you.

If you have questions or want more guidance, you can contact us at any time at ava@accessible-tech.org or reply back to any of the emails or text messages you receive.

What is STAP and why should I apply?

STAP (Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program) provides eligible individuals with a free iPad and free access to the TippyTalk AAC app.

Many families we speak to have struggled to find a cost-effective way to get speech devices for their loved ones. Accessible Tech make this process easy because our team knows these programs inside and out.

STAP eliminates the need to disclose your income or insurance status and bypassing the need to go through grants or school districts.

We’re here to help guide you through the application process so you can get the support you need.

Is STAP really free?

Yes! Texas STAP (Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program) is completely free for eligible individuals. It provides no-cost communication devices, including an iPad and an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) app, to Texas residents who qualify.

There are no hidden fees or costs, making it an excellent resource for families who need speech devices but can't afford them.

Through your STAP application, there are no subscription fees to use the app.

How long does STAP application process take?

Our STAP web form only takes about five minutes to complete. After that, we’ll send your paper application to you to sign and return to us, since STAP requires a written signature.

If you’re not working with a professional right now, we can help set up a short interview with a licensed speech therapist. Once everything is ready, we submit the application on your behalf.

Because STAP doesn’t accept electronic applications, there is some back and forth through the mail. Overall, the process usually takes about three months, including approval and shipping the iPad.

Can my family apply for an adult child or relative?

Yes. We can help you apply for a device and TippyTalk AAC app for any Texas resident who is age 5 and above who needs this type of tool to communicate in daily life.

While most families we work with have younger children with autism, cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome, TippyTalk is also used by stroke victims and others who have suffered speech impairment from other causes. The person who signs the application will be either a parent, a legal guardian or the user-applicant themselves who is of legal age.

What happens when I receive my iPad?

With the delivery of your iPad, you will receive an instruction pack on how to download and begin using the app.

You'll also receive an email with a QR code to create an account. If at any point you need guidance, our team is here to help!

You can email techsupport@accessible-tech.org at anytime.

Who is eligible for STAP?

Eligibility for Texas STAP includes the following:

The individual must be a resident of Texas.
The individual must be 5 years of age, but you can still apply and when they are closer to 5, we will reach out to begin your application.
The individual must be non-verbal or have speech limitations that make it difficult or impossible to communicate effectively in daily life. This could include difficulty expressing needs, wants, or ideas using spoken language.

Get started and see if you're eligible by submitting your details in the web form above.

Do I need insurance to apply?

You do not need insurance, and you do not need to provide your income level to apply for the program. The initial step of submitting your details only requires some questions to help us understand your loved one's eligibility and speech needs.

Once submitted, our program manager will reach out to gather any additional information needed to submit your application.

What is AAC and the TippyTalk app?

AAC apps can help to give a non-verbal or speech-impaired person a way to be understood quickly. This helps resolve frustration, shortcut emotional outburst, and help caregivers or parents and their childing feel connected. A second goal is to show the child, in real time, how their need is expressed in language. It models speech for them while helping them feel better for being understood.

TippyTalk is a unique AAC app designed for non-verbal and speech-impaired users. It serves as a TWO-WAY communication tool that allows users to create simple sentences by selecting illustrations. These sentences can be READ ALOUD or SENT directly to a member of the user’s private community anytime, from anywhere. Members of their community can RESPOND with video, text, or audio.

TippyTalk helps children communicate their needs, thoughts, and emotions in an accessible and effective way. Through your STAP application, there are no subscription fees to use the app.

How does the TippyTalk speech app work?

The speaking function: The app shows the user an initial set of pictures which represent the beginning of a request. After choosing one of those, the user touches a picture to complete the thought. Since the app has thousands of possible pictures, the parent sets up the app so relevant pictures appear for that child. Parents can also customize the messages by uploading photos from their own devices to make the experience especially personal for the user. When a user touches the relevant pictures in sequence, the app speaks or sends a simple sentence for them.

The texting function: TippyTalk is unique among AAC speech apps because it can ALSO create a text out of the user's chosen picture sequence and send it to a caregiver's mobile phone. The user does not need to read or write. The app does the work. So parents, families, teachers and friends can be in communication with a non-verbal individual anytime from anywhere. The users community (parents, family, etc.) can respond back with audio, video, emojis or simple words the user understands.