Relay Iowa & TAI: Partnering to Keep Iowans Connected
At Telecommunications Access Iowa (TAI), we believe that everyone deserves the ability to connect, communicate, and participate—regardless of hearing or speech ability. For years, we’ve proudly partnered with Hamilton Relay to help make that belief a reality for qualifying Iowans. Through Relay Iowa, Hamilton Relay offers critical telecommunications relay services that, when combined with the accessibility devices and tools provided by TAI, create a powerful network of support for individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have difficulty speaking.
Hamilton Relay provides Relay Iowa, a statewide service that allows Iowans with hearing or speech difficulties to make and receive phone calls through the assistance of trained Communication Assistants. Whether it’s using a traditional text telephone (TTY), Captioned Telephone (CapTel), or speech-to-speech relay, Relay Iowa makes real-time, reliable communication possible. By simply dialing 711 or a toll-free number, users are connected to the service that best meets their communication needs. This includes specialized services like Voice Carry Over, Hearing Carry Over, Spanish Relay, and more—all designed to provide equal access to the phone for every Iowan.
While Relay Iowa ensures the communication connection, TAI provides the tools to use it effectively. Through our equipment distribution program, qualifying Iowans can receive free or low-cost devices that work seamlessly with relay services. In 2019, we expanded our program to include wireless devices, allowing us to equip users with smartphones and tablets loaded with accessibility apps. These devices come with pre-installed applications for video relay, captioned calls, and augmentative communication—ensuring individuals have everything they need to communicate, right out of the box.
One of the key services available on many of these devices is Hamilton CapTel, an innovative solution that allows users to both hear and read captions of what the other person is saying. Captioned telephone service is life-changing for many of our users, offering a sense of independence and clarity that was previously out of reach. In addition, video relay apps like Convo and Sorenson provide real-time visual communication in American Sign Language, while augmentative communication apps such as Proloquo2Go support users with speech disabilities. These tools, funded and provided by TAI, are carefully chosen to complement the services offered by Relay Iowa.
TAI also supports Iowa residents by covering the one-time cost of many augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps that support speech and language development. While subscriptions or data plans may still be the responsibility of the user, TAI ensures that the technology itself is within reach for those who need it. By working closely with Iowa’s network of device vendors—including audiologists, speech pathologists, and assistive technology professionals—we make sure each applicant receives a device that meets their unique needs and pairs well with Relay Iowa’s offerings.
Our relationship with Hamilton Relay extends beyond technology—it’s also about education. Hamilton Relay’s outreach team plays a vital role in raising awareness across the state about how relay services work and who they are for. TAI partners with this team to provide joint training opportunities, attend community events, and publish resources like our shared newsletters. These efforts help demystify telecommunications access, and ensure that people across Iowa know how to connect with our programs.
This partnership has created a model of accessibility that is truly statewide. Together, we remove barriers to communication in both everyday life and emergency situations. Whether someone is using a CapTel phone to call their doctor, joining a video call with their child’s teacher, or using speech-to-speech relay to stay in touch with family, the combination of TAI-provided devices and Hamilton Relay’s services ensures their voice is heard.
The impact of our collaboration is not only practical—it’s personal. We hear stories every day from Iowans who have regained confidence, independence, and connection because they were given the tools to communicate. Hamilton Relay also recognizes and uplifts members of the community through scholarships and leadership awards, which TAI proudly supports. These shared efforts reflect a commitment to inclusion that goes far beyond technology.
Looking ahead, TAI and Hamilton Relay continue to explore ways to innovate and expand our impact. This includes updating app offerings to include emerging technologies like AI-generated captioning, increasing distribution points across Iowa through new vendor partnerships, and expanding outreach to better serve rural communities.
If you or someone you know could benefit from accessible telecommunications, we encourage you to learn more about our programs. With Hamilton Relay providing the communication bridge, and TAI supplying the tools to cross it, we are building a future where every Iowan—regardless of ability—has the freedom to connect.
Together, we are making Iowa a more inclusive, communicative, and empowered place to live.
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