Resources
At the Montana Accessible Communications (MTAC) and Montana Relay, we strive to be a true partner for Montanans who are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking. Here are some helpful tools in telecommunications and beyond that we can help connect you to.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Today “988” is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. By calling or texting 988, you’ll connect with mental health professionals with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline which serves our nation’s Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. For texts, Veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.
Calls made to 988 in Montana are routed to one of three independent crisis call centers: Voices of Hope in Great Falls, The Help Center in Bozeman, and the Western Montana Mental Health Lifeline Call Center in Missoula.
More details on the 988 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline in Montana can be found on the Montana 988 page.
To learn more about the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration's 988 resources and information to help spread the word, visit Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Affordable Connectivity Program
ATTENTION: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced they are taking steps to wind down the Affordable Connectivity Program. The program is expected to end this spring unless Congress appropriates additional funding.
Without additional funding from Congress, the FCC anticipates that the current ACP funding is projected to run out in April 2024. This date is an estimate and may change. As a result, the FCC has begun taking steps to wind down the ACP, which means:
- No new ACP enrollments will be accepted after February 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.
- Households that enrolled with an ACP internet company before February 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET will continue to receive their ACP benefit until ACP funds run out as long as the household remains enrolled and eligible for the benefit.
- When ACP funds run out, households participating in the ACP will no longer receive the ACP discounts.
You can find more information at AffordableConnectivity.gov
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. Eligible households could receive:
- Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
- Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
Find out if you qualify and how to apply.
Download and print the Affordable Connectivity Program flyer
American Sign Language (ASL) Classes
MTAC offers American Sign Language class 1 hour a week. Classes are free and open to the public. For details, email MTAP at relay@mt.gov.
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters
If you need an ASL interpreter, MTAC and Montana Relay can help! Our division maintains a directory of certified ASL interpreters who have been qualified under the standards set by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Current list of Qualified Sign Language Interpreters.
COVID-19 Healthcare Card
To help you clearly communicate with medical professionals during the pandemic, MTAC and Montana Relay are proud to offer you the FREE COVID-19 Healthcare Card. Adapted from tools created by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities, this printable card makes it easy for you to interact with first responders, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure you and your loved ones get the care you need. Download and print the FREE COVID-19 Healthcare Card.
iCanConnect
iCanConnect provides free equipment and training to people with both significant vision and hearing loss who meet disability and income guidelines. In Montana, Perkins School for the Blind is responsible for iCanConnect. People eligible for iCanConnect receive an assessment to identify solutions to support their distance communication goals and are provided equipment and training that meets their needs.
Lifeline Benefits Program
Lifeline is the FCC’s program to help make communication services more affordable for low-income consumers. Eligible customers can qualify for a discount for phone service or qualifying broadband service. The program is limited to one benefit per household and the benefit is nontransferable.
Montana 2-1-1
Montana 2-1-1 connects you with the community resources, services and assistance you need, via and easy-to-remember phone number (2-1-1) and a website (montana211.org). Montana 211 is part of a national network. 211 Centers undergo rigorous accreditation by the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems (AIRs). Montana 211 was established in Montana Code Annotated in 2005 to provide easy, single point access to health and human service resources for Montana citizens, and to provide coordination and information in times of disaster. 211 is operated in Montana by four nonprofits, each covering a region.
National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls. You can register your home or mobile phone for free.
RapidSOS Emergency Health Profile
RapidSOS is an emergency data platform that securely provides 9-1-1 centers with important caller information. Citizens can create an Emergency Health Profile so that first responders using RapidSOS have access to important information such as preexisting health conditions, medications, and allergies. Download and print Emergency Health Profile flyer.
Self-Advocacy Guide
Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking often face situations in which they must advocate on their own behalf. Our FREE Self-Advocacy Guide, adapted from the National Association of the Deaf, offers helpful tips on how to explain your rights and request the services you need.
Teltex Assistive Equipment
Teltex sells assistive technology devices for people with a disability – including Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Blind, Low-Vision, Mobility, and Cognitive challenges. They carry a wide variety of assistive equipment, ranging from amplified phones to alert systems to iOS devices, and much more. Additionally, they provide support before, during, and after your purchase, answering any questions you may have.
Teltex iAccessibility
Teltex iAccessibility, powered by Teltex, is a place to find everything related to accessibility and Apple devices. It’s your free, informational resource for Apple iOS training videos, native accessibility features, 3 rd party apps and accessories, assistance program resources, and more.