For many Iowans who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have speech difficulties, communication isn’t just about convenience—it’s about access, independence, and connection. Whether you’re trying to participate in a classroom discussion, communicate with a healthcare provider, or simply capture your thoughts, having the right tools can make all the difference.

Picture this: you just got a smartphone or tablet through the Telecommunications Access Iowa (TAI) program. It’s equipped with the latest accessibility apps, ready to help you communicate more clearly and effectively. You open the iPhone Notes app and try using the built-in microphone to dictate or record a message—but the result is messy, missing punctuation, and hard to understand. It can be frustrating when you know that the voices aren’t being heard accurately.

While the Notes app is a familiar starting point, it’s not built for the unique needs of people who have hearing loss or speech difficulties. That’s why dedicated speech-to-text and AAC apps are so important. These tools are designed with accessibility in mind, offering smarter features, better accuracy, and more flexibility for real-world use.

At TAI, we offer a variety of apps—like NALscribe, Say It! Free TTS, Speak4Me Free, and Yes/No from I Can Do Apps—each tailored to support different communication styles and needs. Whether you’re using speech, text, or touch to express yourself, these apps help bridge the gap and make communication more inclusive. And the best part is that they’re already pre-installed on your wireless device!

In this post, we’ll explore why dedicated apps outperform default dictation tools, highlight the features that matter most, and help you find the right solution for your communication needs.

Built-In Dictation: Convenient but Limited

The Notes app on iPhone is a go-to for many users. Just tap the microphone icon on the keyboard, speak your thoughts, and watch them appear as text. It’s fast, simple, and built into the operating system.

But here’s the catch: Apple’s dictation is designed for short, casual input. It’s great for grocery lists or quick reminders, but it lacks the depth and intelligence needed for longer or more complex tasks.

Limitations of the Notes app:

• No speaker identification
• Limited punctuation and formatting
• Struggles with background noise
• No editing or collaboration tools
• No searchable transcripts or cloud syncing

What Makes Dedicated Speech-to-Text Apps Better?

Speech-to-text apps are built specifically for transcription. They use advanced AI models, natural language processing, and context-aware algorithms to deliver a much richer experience.

1. Higher Accuracy

Dedicated apps are trained on millions of hours of speech data, allowing them to handle:
– Diverse accents and dialects
– Fast or mumbled speech
– Background noise and interruptions

Apps like NALscribe use contextual understanding to distinguish between similar-sounding words (e.g., “there” vs. “their”) and insert punctuation naturally.

2. Smart Formatting

Instead of a wall of text, dedicated apps break your speech into:
– Paragraphs
– Sentences
– Bullet points (in some cases)

This makes your transcripts easier to read, share, and repurpose.

3. Speaker Identification

In meetings or interviews, knowing who said what is crucial. Apps like NALscribe can identify and label speakers, making your transcripts more useful and professional.

4. Editing & Collaboration

Most dedicated apps offer:
– Transcript editing tools
– Real-time collaboration
– Cloud syncing across devices
– Export options (PDF, DOCX, TXT)

This turns your spoken words into a fully usable document, not just raw text.

5. Accessibility Features

For users with disabilities, dedicated apps offer:
– Hands-free operation
– Voice commands
– Integration with screen readers
– Customizable interfaces

These features make speech-to-text more inclusive and empowering.

Speech-to-Text and AAC Apps from TAI

At TAI, we’re proud to offer a range of speech-to-text and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) apps designed to support users with diverse needs across education, healthcare, accessibility, and everyday communication.

Whether you’re transcribing a lecture, navigating tasks hands-free, or supporting someone with communication challenges, our app offerings provide reliable, user-friendly solutions.

Apps we offer include:

• NALscribe – A robust speech-to-text app optimized for Midwestern accents and rural environments, with secure cloud storage and HIPAA-compliant options.
• Say It! Free TTS – An easy app that speaks the words you type..
• Speak4Me Free – An intuitive app that converts text into speech, ideal for users with speech difficulties.
• Yes/No from I Can Do Apps – A communication tool designed to help users express basic choices and responses.

Each app is available on iOS, with some also available on Android and desktop, and they’re built to support accessibility, accuracy, and ease-of-use.

Use Cases for Dedicated Apps

Dedicated speech-to-text and AAC apps aren’t just about convenience—they’re about empowering communication for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have speech difficulties. These tools help bridge gaps in everyday interactions, making it easier to connect, understand, and be understood.

Here are just a few ways these apps can make a meaningful impact:

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing users: Use speech-to-text apps to follow spoken conversations in real time, whether in classrooms, meetings, or medical appointments.
• Individuals with speech difficulties: Use AAC apps to express needs, preferences, and responses clearly and confidently.
• Students: Access live transcription during lectures or group discussions to stay engaged and informed.
• Job seekers and employees: Communicate more effectively in interviews, team meetings, or customer service roles using voice-to-text or text-to-speech tools.
• Healthcare settings: Patients can use AAC apps to communicate symptoms or concerns, while providers can use transcription tools to document visits accurately.

These apps are designed to support independence, inclusion, and accessibility—whether you’re at home, at work, or out in the community.

How to Get Started

If you’re receiving a device through the Telecommunications Access Iowa (TAI) program, you’re already a step ahead—these recommended speech-to-text and AAC apps come preinstalled on your device, so there’s no need to download or set them up from scratch.

Each app is designed to support different communication needs, from transcription to voice output to basic choice-making.

If you need help using or customizing any of these apps, we recommend reaching out directly to the app developers or manufacturers. They are the experts behind the technology and can provide the most accurate guidance and troubleshooting support.

Final Thoughts

For Iowans who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have speech difficulties, access to reliable communication tools is essential—not just for convenience, but for independence and inclusion. While the iPhone Notes app may offer a basic dictation feature, it simply doesn’t meet the needs of users who rely on accurate, accessible, and customizable solutions.

That’s why the TAI program provides specialized devices preloaded with dedicated speech-to-text and AAC apps—tools designed to support real-life communication in classrooms, workplaces, healthcare settings, and everyday interactions. These apps help users express themselves more clearly, follow conversations more easily, and participate more fully in their communities.

To learn more about the TAI program and how to apply for a voucher, visit www.teleiowa.com. We’re here to help Iowans connect, communicate, and thrive.