Telecommunications Access Iowa is a program of the Iowa Utilities Commission. We exist to provide specialized telecommunications devices to Iowans who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have speech difficulties. In short, we exist to make connections easier and more accessible.  

We assist hundreds of Iowans every year in gaining access to these devices to support their communication. One of these Iowans is Craig. Through the help of his sister, Sherri, who also utilizes the TAI program, we were able to provide Craig and his wife Linda, a device for their unique needs to make connecting easier. Sherri took the time to share her and her brother’s experience with our TAI program. Read below for their full impact story!  

Sherri, a longtime user of TAI herself, resides in Humboldt, while her brother Craig and his wife Linda reside in Des Moines. Sherri shared she had a career with her own retail shop while her brother served for over 30 years with the state Department of the Blind, both with hearing and vision issues. Although retired now, both found great ongoing need for access to smooth, consistent communication.  

Sherri went on to share she first heard about TAI through her counselor from the Department of the Blind sharing “I’ve been getting equipment for a few years.” She was then able to share the program with her brother Craig and assist him through his application for our wireless program. Before finding TAI and the right devices for her needs, Sherri shared,

“I was terrified to answer the phone because I knew I wouldn’t be able to hear my customer or family member, etc. It was awful!” 

Not only affecting her personal life but also her business, consistent connection became a growing need. Then came along TAI. Once Sherri found TAI for herself, she shared that it was a new experience for her saying, “When I first started getting equipment I didn’t really understand the program and didn’t know what questions to ask… as time has gone by I think your program became more knowledgeable… and I have become more educated on what is available.” Sherri took advantage of the TAI team’s support and guidance to assist herself and her brother along the way.

As for what device Craig chose, she shares, “I got Craig, my brother, a Samsung Galaxy tablet and this is what I will get next time. It opened my world I was no longer afraid to answer the phone, it was like a miracle.” A device available through our TAI wireless program, this Samsung Galaxy tablet made communication, calls, and captions accessible and convenient for Craig and Linda. Sherri expanded on Craig’s use for his tablet sharing, “We just got my brother a tablet, he is totally Deaf and his wife is in a care facility and he never knows what she is saying, so when we discovered the tablet had live transcription that is when he said ‘Where have you been all my life’ and his world opened up, the smile he had I will never forget!” 

Sherri reflected on the application process for herself and her brother sharing, “There were no obstacles at all, very simple for me and my brother. I mean we were shocked it was so easy and when my brother’s renewal came up, I just called for him and it was a done deal, the people at TAI were super.” After his new device arrived, she shared, “As I said, it opened up our worlds, my brother said ‘Where have you been all my life’ and I felt the same way.” 

Sherri and her brother Craig are able to take advantage of our device renewal every 3 years, allowing them to get devices with updates to feed their growing and changing needs and uses. When asked if Sherri would recommend TAI to others she shared,

“I have recommended TAI to others… my brother, a 93 year old friend, my granddaughter, my niece, I say ‘you will no longer live in the dark, it WILL open your world.’ I tell everyone about TAI.”  

Sherri concluded, encouraging others who are considering applying with this, “Do it, your world will never be the same.” Sherri’s passion for the life-changing effect of the TAI program drives us to continue reaching more and more Iowans with the devices they need. 

The stories of Sherri and Craig highlight the transformative impact of the Telecommunications Access Iowa program. By providing specialized devices tailored to individual needs, TAI empowers Iowans to break down communication barriers and stay connected with loved ones. Their journey from isolation to seamless conversations showcases how access to the right technology can open up a world of possibilities. These personal experiences fuel our commitment to serving the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-disabled communities across Iowa. 

At TAI, we believe that communication is a fundamental right, not a luxury. Each story like Sherri and Craig’s inspires us to continue making the application process simple and devices more accessible. Whether it’s through wireless tablets, captioned telephones, or other adaptive devices, we are dedicated to helping Iowans live fuller, more connected lives. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, we encourage you to apply and experience how TAI can open up your world!