Technology Services for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Overview

This page includes two agency programs: Virginia Relay and the Technology Assistance Program (TAP). Click on the (blue) links to find out more.

These programs provide access to telecommunication services and assistive technology for Virginia citizens who are deaf, hard of hearing, Deafblind or speech disabled.

The Technology Assistance Program (TAP) provides adaptive telecommunication equipment to qualified applicants whose hearing loss or disabilities prevent them from using a standard telephone. Applicants must be a resident of Virginia and meet current financial guidelines.

Virginia Relay is a federally-mandated telecommunications relay service for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, Deafblind, or speech disabled. It allows these individuals to use specialized telecommunication devices or features to communicate with standard telephone users. There is no cost associated with the service with the exception of long-distance charges.