Verifying Your Need: Your Professional’s Signature

Telecommunications Access Iowa is a program of the Iowa Utilities Commission, and exists to provide Iowans who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have speech difficulties specialized telecommunications devices at little-to-no cost. Qualifying Iowans of all ages benefit from phones specifically designed to meet their unique needs. Our traditional and wireless programs offer a variety of options so every applicant can find the right solution for their communication.

Accessing these devices through our program involves a simple application submission to verify your identity, residence, and need. This application includes a field requesting a professional signature verifying your communication need to qualify for this program. This article will highlight the need for this signature, who these verifying professionals can be, how to collect this signature to include with your application and provide resources to simplify this process with your application!

Why a Professional Signature is Required

Professional verification via signature ensures the program serves those who truly need it. This is because this signature helps verify that an applicant has a hearing loss or speech difficulty. Additionally, this verification adds credibility and accountability to the process. This step is required by state guidelines to maintain program integrity. The only time a professional signature is not needed is with your reapplication- available every 3 years.

Who Can Provide the Signature?

Your professional verifying signature can come from any certified professional who carries a State License Number for their certification in their respective field. Below are examples of professionals who are eligible to provide a verification signature for your application.

Audiologists

Hearing-Aid Specialists

Speech-Language Pathologists

Doctors or Nurses

Federal/State Agency Representatives

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

School Professionals- Teacher, Counselors

Other Licensed Professionals

How to Ask for the Signature

If Using Online Application

Our Electronic Voucher Application (EVA) houses our online application system. This is accessible through our website www.teleiowa.com. When utilizing this online application, after filling in all your identification fields, the application will prompt you to input the email address of the professional you wish to verify your application.

Entering this email address and submitting your application will send that professional an e-form requesting their signature to verify your application. This e-form, sent directly to them, requests their state license number as well for the State of Iowa to verify their identity and professional standing.

If Using Paper Application

Our paper applications are available for pick up in our showroom or via mail by request, and include a designated section for your professional verification signature. Please see this section pictured below. This section allows the professional to enter their information, signature, and respective state license number for the State of Iowa to verify alongside your application. Prefer a paper application? Visit the Contact Us page here to request one by mail!

Resources for Requesting Your Verification Signature

To make this step easier, we’ve created some resources for you to use when requesting a signature from the professional you select. Below are some signature request templates you can use based on the type of application you are utilizing:

Email You Can Send Directly, For Your Online Application

Subject: Request for Verification for Telecommunications Access Application

Hi [Provider’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out because I’m applying for assistance through Telecommunications Access Iowa, a program that provides specialized telecommunications equipment to Iowans with hearing or speech difficulties.

As part of the application, I need a professional—like yourself—to verify that I have a qualifying hearing loss or speech difficulty. This signature request will come directly to your email inbox at the time of my application submission. It will request your identification information, signature, and State License number.

Your support with this would really mean a lot and help me move forward with the application. If you have any questions or need more information, you can contact the program directly at info@teleiowa.com.

Thank you so much for your time and help!

Email You Can Send Directly: For Your Paper Application

Subject: Request for Verification for Telecommunications Access Application

Hi [Provider’s Name],

As part of the application, I need a professional—like yourself—to verify that I have a qualifying hearing loss or speech difficulty. My application carries a section designated for your contact information, signature, and State License Number. Is there a good time for me to stop in to get your signature on this application?

Thank you so much for your time and help!

Letter to Mail or Deliver In-Person: For Your Online Application

Click HERE to download!

Letter to Mail or Deliver In-Person: For Your Paper Application