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Start Smart: Explore the Built-In Apps on Your Wireless TAI Device

TAI knows your telecommunications device needs to keep up with you. Our wireless program makes the newest communications devices accessible to you for your communication needs! With re-application available every three years, your device can grow with you and your changing needs. Our wireless devices include smartphones and tablets to choose from, and all devices arrive wifi compatible and smartphones arrive to you unlocked so you can connect them to the cellular provider of your choosing if you wish to do so. While many devices include native accessibility features such as brightness features, Bluetooth connection, font sizes, etc., our wireless devices include another level of access that is immediately available to you.  

These wireless devices include a variety of pre-installed apps depending on your unique needs indicated on your application. Theses apps packages are designed to assist individuals who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have speech difficulty. This resource will outline the categories of these accessibility apps and provide descriptions for each app to aid your accessibility.  

Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing 

Apps will provide: 

  • IP Relay Services 
  • Video Relay Services 
  • IP Captioned Telephone Services 
  • Video Calls 

Speech Difficulty 

There are speech-specific apps included, such as Alternative Augmentative Communication apps, that allow the individual to tap on pictures, words and phrases to create sentences, and the device will speak for them. 

Accessibility Apps Descriptions 

Video Phone 

  • Convo – From the only Deaf-owned VRS provider comes the most natural calling experience for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. We believe that you should always maintain ownership of your call, and we achieve this through our highly-qualified interpreters and intuitive app design. 
  • Purple P3 – P3 Mobile is the on-the-go VRS (Video Relay Service) app that makes it easy for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to make and receive VP calls anywhere using a Wi-Fi or a cellular data connection. 
  • Sorenson nTouch – With unrivaled features supported by passionate interpreters, the ntouch® app provides the power of Sorenson Relay anytime, anywhere – even on the go. ntouch now includes the Sorenson Wavello feature that lets you and everyone on the call Be Seen. 
  • Z5 – With Z5 Mobile, the industry’s premier VRS (Video Relay Service) app, Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can make and receive videophone calls anywhere using Wi-Fi or a cellular data connection.  

Captioning Apps 

  • CaptionCall – CaptionCall Mobile empowers Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to make and receive phone calls with instant live captions. CaptionCall Mobile offers captioned phone calls in real-time at no cost to qualified deaf and hard-of-hearing users in an easy-to-use mobile app that integrates seamlessly into daily life and work. 
  • CaptionMate – Calls you can see. By being FCC certified and thanks to a federally funded program, CaptionMate provides a free service for individuals with hearing loss that allows users the ability to read both sides of a phone conversation instantaneously. CaptionMate works on smart phones, tablets, and all other phones, even your landline. 
  • ClearCaptions – From the provider of innovative in-home phone captioning comes this mobile version for individuals with hearing loss. Wherever you go, you can enjoy captioned mobile calls, so you’ll never miss a word. 
  • Hamilton CapTel – Talking on the phone can be a challenge for people with hearing loss. For nearly 20 years, Hamilton® CapTel® has made more than 250 million captioned calls possible for people who have difficulty hearing over the phone — all at no cost to the user. 
  • InnoCaption – Difficulty hearing phone calls? If your hearing loss makes understanding phone calls challenging, download the InnoCaption app for FAST, FREE, and ACCURATE real-time call captions. Our service is available at NO-COST to eligible users in the United States because we are funded by the FCC’s Telecommunications Relay Services Fund. 
  • Nagish – Nagish uses artificial intelligence (AI) to convert text-to-speech and speech-to-text in real time. Our tech makes it easy to place and receive calls without hearing or speaking. Instead, you can type and read. 

Video Chat 

  • Google Meet – Google Meet is a high-quality video calling app designed to help you have meaningful and fun interactions with your friends, family, colleagues, and classmates, wherever they are. 
  • Marco Polo – Marco Polo is the video chat app that brings you closer to the people who matter most without asking you to compromise on trust. 
  • Skype – Skype is the best way to stay connected with anyone, anywhere, anytime. Whether you want to talk to your family, friends or colleagues. You can make free video calls with up to 100 people, send and receive text messages, use ChatGPT with others, send voice messages, emojis, and share your screen to show what you’re working on. 
  • Zoom – Reimagine how you work with Zoom Workplace, an all-in-one, AI-powered collaboration platform that combines team chat, meetings, phone*, whiteboard, calendar, mail, notes, and more. Use Zoom for iOS with any free or paid Zoom license. 

Relay Services 

  • T-Mobile IP Relay – IP Relay, provided by T-Mobile for iOS devices, is a no cost internet-based telecommunications Mobile app available for people who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, DeafBlind, or who have a Speech Disability who can make and receive relay calls and communicate using text on iOS 9 or higher, including iPad devices. Connect with a qualified relay operator via IP Relay. Features include integrated contact list, call history, and access to live customer care. 

Alternative Augmentative Communication 

  • Proloquo2Go – Tap images. Type words. Speak. Proloquo2Go is an easy-to-use communication app for people who cannot speak or need help being understood. Featuring natural sounding voices, including real children’s voices, Proloquo2Go is a simple yet powerful AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) tool. The app is fully customizable and can be utilized to build language skills and grow with a person’s communication, supporting both beginning and advanced communicators. 

 

Proloquo2Go is the default AAC app installed on TAI wireless devices. If you prefer to use a different AAC app, you can request it through the equipment vendor during voucher redemption. TAI vouchers cover AAC apps with a one-time payment fee but do not support subscription-based models. 

 

At Telecommunications Access Iowa, we believe your device should do more than just keep you connected—it should empower you to communicate with confidence and ease. That’s why we provide wireless devices preloaded with powerful, accessibility-focused apps tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have speech difficulties. 

These thoughtfully selected apps turn your device into a tool for independence, connection, and communication. And because your needs may change over time, you can reapply every three years to ensure your technology continues to grow with you. 

If you’re ready to apply—or you’re already approved—explore the apps available to you and discover how your device can make communication easier than ever. As always, our team is here to help you every step of the way. 

Need help getting started? Visit TAI’s application page or contact us at www.teleiowa.com. We’re here to make sure you have the tools you need to stay connected.