AT&T has created a special rate plan to appeal to iPhone users with hearing and speech disabilities. Dubbed "Text Accessibility Plan" (TAP), the new plan is priced at $40 per month and offers unlimited text messaging, Internet and email access.

The TAP plan is available only to people who have a "qualifying" disability and complete an application for eligibility.

Applicants are required to sign up for a standard iPhone voice and data plan as part of the usual handset activation process first. Once the iPhone is activated, the customer needs to e-mail, fax or mail the TAP application form to AT&T. Current iPhone users can also submit the application to change their plan to the new TAP.