This is a free program for Texas Residents. The service is free. The product can either be obtained free through a state program or purchased for a discount.
Captioned Telephone (CapTel) is one of the equipment available. To learn more about on how to get a Free CapTel, please go to the "How to get a CapTel for free" section below.
They limit to one voucher for every five years and it is also limited to one equipment per house hold. If you already have a free equipment from the STAP program within the past five years, you may not qualify for a free equipment until the five year term is used.
You have another option to get a CapTel which is to purchase one. To learn more on how to purchase a CapTel on a discounted price, please go to the "How to purchase a CapTel" section below.
To learn more on what a CapTel is and how it works, please go to the "What is a CapTel" section below.
And best of all, we offer a free outreach program where we will send a CapTel Outreach Specialist to personally show you how to use a CapTel at the comforts of your home or office. They are also available by phone to provide assistance on how to order a CapTel through the State Program (STAP) for free or how to purchase one at a discounted price
Our CapTel Outreach Specialists are also available to give workshops and presentations for no charge.
To contact one of our CapTel Outreach Specialists, please go to the "Help/Outreach/Contacts" section below.
What is a CapTel?
As they dial, the CapTel phone automatically connects to a captioning service. When the other party answers, the CapTel phone user hears everything that they say, just like a traditional call.
Behind the scenes, a specially trained operator at the CapTel captioning service transcribes everything the other party says into written text, using the very latest in voice-recognition technology.
The written text appears on a bright, easy-to-read display window built into the CapTel phone. The captions appear almost simultaneously with the spoken word, allowing the CapTel phone users to understand everything that is said either by hearing it or by reading it.
Calls are made in a natural manner – simply dial the telephone number directly for the person you are calling
Captions appear on the bright, easy-to-read display
Powerful amplification with volume boost (up to 35dB) gives you maximum volume
Adjustable tone & volume control for optimum sound clarity
Captions are provided, free, by a captioning service
You can review captions during or after a call (500 lines of memory can be reviewed after hanging up)
You can use CapTel with headsets, a neckloop, a cochlear implant patch cord, or other assistive listening devices
Easy access to voice mail, phone menu systems, and answering machine messages
Optional USB Port lets you view large print captions on your computer monitor
How to get a CapTel for free?
Texas has a voucher program that provides financial assistance for the purchase of specialized assistive equipment or service for individuals whose disability interferes with their ability to access the telephone network. The program is called STAP which stands for Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program.
Texas residents may qualify to receive a free CapTel telephone through the state’s Special Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP).
They limit to one voucher for every five years and it is also limited to one equipment per house hold. If you already have a free equipment from the STAP program within the past five years, you may not qualify for a free equipment until the five year term is used.
To apply for a STAP voucher for a free CapTel:
Download and print the application form here by (clicking here).
Download the instructions form here by (clicking here).
And then follow the instructions for verifying residency, certifying your eligibility and returning the application. Make sure to check the box for "Captioned Phone" on page 2.
If approved, you will receive your voucher via mail from the state. Simply fax or mail the approved voucher to WCI to receive your free equipment.
WCI
926 Colorado Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401-2717(800) 233-9130 (V/TTY)
(310) 450-9918 (FAX)Email: CapTel@weitbrecht.com
To learn more about the voucher program or to apply in person, contact one of our CapTel Outreach Specialists listed at the "Help/Outreach/Contacts" section below.
They are available to provide you with any assistance you needed in obtaining your CapTel Phone.
To learn more about the state voucher program or STAP, contact:
Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DARS-DDHHS)
4800 N. Lamar, Suite 100
P.O. Box 12607, Austin, Texas 78711Voice: (512) 407-3250
TTY: (512) 407-3251
Fax: (512) 451-9316How to purchase a CapTel?
SPECIAL EXCLUSIVE OFFER MADE POSSIBLE BY SPRINT RELAY
Try CapTel for 90-Days risk free!
We’re so convinced that you will benefit from CapTel service, Sprint Relay has arranged, for a limited time only, to make CapTel phones available for just $99.00 (normally a retail value of $495.00).
Now is your chance to try CapTel – at no risk! Our 90-day guarantee means that if you are not entirely happy with CapTel, simply return the phone for a full refund with no questions asked. Give CapTel a try! This limited time offer is only available to Texas residents.
SEND ORDER TO:
WEITBRECHT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
926 Colorado Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401-2717Download flyer & form: (PDF format) - click here
TOLL FREE: 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY)
Fax: (310) 450-9918 http://www.weitbrecht.com
Email: captel@weitbrecht.comPAYMENT METHOD:
CapTel Phone: $99.00
(includes 1-year limited warranty)Optional USB Port: $45.00
Optional Extended Warranty: $29.00/year
(add $29 per year, up to 4 years)Shipping: $7.50
Download flyer & form: (PDF format) - click here
SPECIAL OFFER AVAILABLE TO TEXAS RESIDENTS ONLY
Help/Outreach/Contacts
Our program includes a free outreach program which involves:
Phone consultation on how to get a free CapTel or on how to purchase one. Assistance in paperwork and applications.
A personal visit to your house or office to provide you a one-to-one hands on training with your new CapTel.
Presentations or workshops for any interested parties.
All for no charge.
If you are interested please contact your local CapTel Outreach Specialist:
Greater Austin Area via email at natasha.honeycutt@sprint.com
Greater Dallas Area via email at valentina.allen@sprint.com
Greater Houston Area via email at diana.nielsen@sprint.com
Greater San Antonio Area via email at alana.grunspan@sprint.com
Greater Tyler Area via email at theresa.kincade@sprint.com
Phone numbers for above contacts will be provided soon.
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We are looking to hire new CapTel Outreach Specialists for the following areas:
Abilene
Amarillo
Beaumont
Brownsville
Corpus Christi
Del Rio
El Paso
Ft. Worth
Galveston
Houston (1 more)
Laredo
Lubbock
McAllen
Midland/Odessa/Big Spring Area
San Angelo
Waco/Temple/Belton Area
Wichita Falls
If interested, please email a letter of interest and a resume to robert.giuntoli@sprint.com. Must own a car and have great personality. Trustworthy, patient, and loves to meet people. Familiarity of working with Hard-of-Hearing people a plus. Interested parties will undergo a complete background check, drug test, and interview.