Resources

At the Montana Telecommunications Access Program (MTAP) 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

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

MTAP 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, MTAP 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, MTAP 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.

iCanConnet

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.