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 Kayla. Thanks to her mom, Julia, Kayla now has her very own device to help her communicate with the world around her. Julia took the time to share their experience with our TAI program. Read below for their full impact story!   

Julia, her husband, and 2 children reside in Altoona, Iowa. Their youngest daughter, Kayla, experiences speech delay and difficulty stemming from her Down Syndrome Diagnosis.  

Julia reflected on her exposure to TAI in the past sharing, “I have worked with Dylan (Program manager of TAI) on a professional level for several years and have heard and seen first hand how this amazing program provides access for Iowans who may not otherwise have equitable access to telecommunications equipment. I didn’t connect the dots on a personal level – to how this program may benefit my daughter – until she started speech therapy and her therapist mentioned TAI and how beneficial this technology (the iPAD with pre downloaded speech apps) would aid in her skill development and provide a means of communication for her.”  

Julia reflected on the challenges they faced before applying for our TAI program sharing, “Kayla’s speech therapist had started ‘trialing’ a speech program similar to the app we got on the TAI iPAD during Kayla’s weekly speech therapy sessions, but explained the route to go through insurance to get this device covered would take close to a year. This was frustrating for us because Kayla already has obvious delays and not getting this technology for another year only compounds the delays and frustrations she has in communication.” 

Julia shared the vital partnership of Kayla’s speech therapist in exploring what options would work best for her daughter and her unique needs. After speaking with our TAI team, her speech therapist encouraged them to pursue an application with TAI. 

We asked Julia what impact their new device has had for Kayla and her communication. She went on to share, “Kayla received the iPAD with the “speech delays” app package on it. It arrived quickly and having the apps pre-downloaded on it made it a breeze to get set up and going for Kayla. The “touch chat” app has opened the world of communication to Kayla. She and her therapist work on using this app during her weekly speech therapy sessions and we use it at home on a regular basis. She is still learning and navigating all the options this provides her – but to see her be able to communicate with others through this technology has been such an amazing thing to see. It has been great to explore using this app in a variety of settings one on one (in person) – but also the ability it gives her to have “conversations” with her cousins over FaceTime and video apps. She is able to communicate back using the touch-chat program.” 

“I can already tell this device gives her independence and autonomy in a world that often does things FOR her instead of giving her the freedom and ability to learn and have access to communication in a way that meets her needs.” 

Julia shared they experienced no obstacles with their application process but found quick follow up from the TAI team and expedited fulfillment from their device vendor TelTex. We asked how her new device has impacted Kayla’s ability to connect with those around her. Julia expanded, “this iPad and speech apps have opened up the world to Kayla. Not only have they aided in her development and acquisition of language, but have given her a way to communicate NOW with the world around her. Kayla’s ability to produce spoken language right now is limited, but her desire to communicate is great. This piece of technology has given her an equitable accommodation and the ability to have access to communication. I know this will continue to benefit her throughout her life.” 

When asked if they would recommend TAI to others who qualify Julia responded, “we have told many others about the benefits of TAI and will continue to do so. It is not an exaggeration to say this program has been a life changer for Kayla and we would love to continue to help spread the word so that others who may have communication barriers can have access, too!” She emphasized, “I would encourage people to reach out to TAI and ask any of the questions you may have. TAI is professional and prompt. They want to set you up with the correct device and will make sure they completely understand your situation. TAI is eager to help and it is noticeable in their customer service and communications! My second piece of advice is – if you are on the fence about applying or not – if you are eligible – DO IT! I knew this device would be helpful for Kayla, but I didn’t realize HOW helpful and how much we would use it with her until we got it.”