Communications Technology

Texas Law

Provides for accessible, available, and usable telecommunications services for people with disabilities.
Provides for statewide telecommunications relay access service so that people who can hear can speak with people who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities.
Provides for a specialized telecommunications device assistance program to assist in the purchase of telecommunication devices for people with disabilities.
Provides an assistance program for people with low incomes through discounts in telephone and electrical service.
Requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to provide interpreter services to a person who is deaf or hard of hearing while that person is receiving assistance under the Medicaid program. The HHSC is also required to provide interpreter services to parents or guardians who are deaf or hard of hearing while their child or ward is receiving Medicaid assistance. These requirements are subject to the availability of funds.
Provides for respectful, people-first language about people with intellectual disabilities.
Paves the way for "Next Generation 9-1-1" by enacting necessary steps to transition into a system that allows for people to contact 9-1-1 through text messaging or other modern means of communication.

Relay Services:
Texas Utilities Code, Sections 56.102 - 56.112
Special Telecommunications Device Assistance Program:
Texas Utilities Code, Sections 56.151 - 56.155
Utility Assistance Program:
Texas Utilities Code, Section 17.007
Human Resources Code 32.024
Next Generation 9-1-1:
Health and Safety Code, Section 771.001

Email: relaytx@puc.state.tx.us
DARS Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
-Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP)
-Consumer Training and Education
-Find Interpreter Services and Local Providers
-Telephone: 512-407-3250 (voice); 512-407-3251 (tty); or relay service provider of your choice

Disability.gov Technology Update: An Introduction to the Screen Reader. A 6 minute video demonstrates how screen readers assist people who are blind navigate the web, access the electronic page and more.
Business.gov has made its accessible YouTube video player available to web managers who would like to embed YouTube videos on their website. This video player follows the Section 508 Standards for web-based applications.
Preparing MSWord Documents for Creating Accessible PDF File (PDF)
Understanding Disability Issues and Building Documents That Are Accessible (PDF)
Making Documents Accessible (PDF)
Download the latest version of Adobe Reader