Digital Access Programs
The Next Step, Inc. collaborates with organizations and state agencies to bridge the digital divide, delivering electronic devices to individuals in underserved and unserved communities.
Texas Education Freedom Accounts
Parent-Directed Special Education Services
The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program, previously, the Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) program is a one-time $1,500 online grant for parents/guardians of eligible students served by special education and who are enrolled in a Texas public school. Guardians of eligible students can use the grant to obtain educational materials and resources such as technology devices and/or services specific services.
Click Here for additional program information.
Click Here to review available devices or request an invoice.
Texas Education Freedom Accounts
In 2025, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 2 and provided $1 billion in funding to create the Texas Education Freedom Accounts™(TEFA) program and give parents greater freedom and flexibility in choosing the best educational environment for their children.
The TEFA program, administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, allows parents who choose to enroll their children outside of the public school system – including a private school or homeschool – to use their child’s TEFA funds to pay for approved education-related expenses through the program marketplace.
Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program
The Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP), governed by Texas Administrative Code § 26.415, is a voucher program that provides financial assistance to individuals living in the state of Texas who have a disability that interferes with the use of a telephone. Click here for program information.
The Next Step, Inc. is an approved vendor for the Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program, providing telecommunication devices and speech-generated devices to eligible individuals. Click here to browse available devices.