Parents & Caregivers

Providing accessible tools and helpful support for your family’s unique journey

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The journey isn't always easy

Parenting or caregiving for a loved one with speech impairments or developmental conditions can bring unique joys and unique challenges. Communication, daily routines, school, and social interactions often require extra support. On top of that, navigating state programs to access the right tools can feel overwhelming and time-consuming.

The right support can make each step feel a little lighter.

How we help

From the very first conversation through to delivery of your new tools, we take care of the details, ensuring your loved one gets the support they need while you focus on what matters most.

We're here to make life a little easier. Our role is to:

Provide proven, accessible technology

We provide proven tools that support communication, language development, and regulation at home and beyond.

Guide you through state programs

We provide support on managing lengthy state program processes on your behalf, so you don't have to get lost in forms, approvals, and red tape.

Developmental disabilities

The support you can expect

When you work with us, you’re never on your own. Families choose us because:

We handle the paperwork

We take care of the paperwork and application process with state programs from start to finish.

Answers from people, not bots

We guide you through every step making it clear, stress-free, and always person-to-person.

We provide ongoing support

Even after your tools arrive, we continue to be here for you with guidance and assistance whenever you need it.

We connect you with resources

From educational materials to product info, we provide resources that support you and your loved one’s growth.

Getting started is simple

1

Explore your state program

We’ve outlined everything you need to know about requirements, eligibility, and the tools available in your state.

2

Enter details for you and your loved one

Once you’ve reviewed the information, submit your details and your loved one’s on the state form.

3

We take it from there!

we’ll guide you through the next steps, handle the paperwork, and make sure your loved one receives the right tools. 

State programs we support

We’re proud to be an approved vendor for several state-funded programs. Through these partnerships, we’re able to expand access and provide families with trusted, evidence-based tools that make a meaningful difference in daily life.

Florida Illinois South Carolina Tennessee Texas Wisconsin
SUFS logo wh background

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.

Learn more
ITAC

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.

Learn more
SC SCEDP

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.

Contact us to register your interest
Tennessee DHS

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.

Contact us to register your interest
HHS

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.

Learn more
TEPPLogo1

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.

Learn more

Why families trust us

Families trust us because we provide proven, effective tools that truly make a difference. Through our partnerships with state programs, we make these solutions more accessible to the people who need them most.

Our commitment is to continue finding new ways to support families like yours with resources you can rely on every day.

Learn more about us
trust
Lean, TippyTalk Mom

"With TippyTalk, I saw results. That's why I feel Accessible Tech was more beneficial than other state funded programs that were offered to me."

Lean, Wisconsin TippyTalk Family

Frequently asked questions

What happens after I fill out the details above?

Once you've filled out your state program form:

  1. A family advocate will reach out by phone or text to walk you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.
  2. Your application needs to be signed so we may send it electronically or mail it based on state program requirements.
  3. You may need to provide proof of residency and other documentation. You'll be able to uploaded these securely to our system or send via text or email.
  4. Some state programs require certification from a licensed speech therapist. If you're currently working with an SLP, great! Otherwise, we can arrange a teletherapy appointment at no cost to you.

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

Are there any costs associated?

Some state programs include a small co-pay, while others are completely free. Check your state program page for specific details.

When you apply through your state program, there are no subscription costs or ongoing product fees for the tools and products we provide.

 

How long does the application process take?

The timeline can vary depending on your state program and the time of year.

Recently, we’ve seen applications approved anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Visit your state program page for more info.

Can my family apply for an adult child or relative?

Yes. We can help you apply to state programs for a device for anyone who needs this type of tool to communicate in daily life.

While many families we work with have children with autism, cerebral palsy, or Down Syndrome, these tools are also used by stroke survivors and others with speech impairments from various causes.

The application can be submitted by a parent, legal guardian, or the user themselves if they are of legal age.

What happens when I receive my tools?

With the delivery of your tools, you will receive an instruction pack on how to begin.

You'll also receive specific product info and support depending on the tools you receive. If at any point you need guidance, our team is here to help!

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 programs. The initial step of submitting your details only requires some basic questions to help us understand your loved one's needs.

Once submitted, we’ll schedule a call with one of our team members to gather any additional information needed to submit your application.

What is AAC and the TippyTalk app?

AAC apps can help to give a nonverbal or speech-impaired person a way to be understood quickly. This helps resolve frustration, shortcut emotional outburst, and help the parent and child 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, who can RESPOND with video 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 will show 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 upload photos from their own phones to make the experience especially personal for the child. When a user touches the relevant pictures in sequence, the app speaks 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 child does not need to read or write. The app does the work. So parents, family and friends can be in communication with a nonverbal child when they are not together. The parent can respond with audio, video, emojis or simple words the child understands.

Contact us

Have more questions about how we support parents & caregivers or how to access tools through state programs? Our team is ready to support you.

Contact Accessible Tech