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WELCOME NEW DUAL PARTY RELAY COUNCIL MEMBERS!
The Dual Party Relay Council (DPRC) advises the Iowa Utilities Board (Board) on matters related to Telecommunications Access Iowa (TAI) and Relay Iowa. The Council has eleven members that are appointed by the Board. The Council meets periodically, usually three or four times per year. The Council makes recommendations to the Board regarding TAI and Relay Iowa. The Council members provide valuable information to the Board regarding how the programs are functioning from various users' perspectives. They represent telephone companies, the Iowa Division of Deaf Services, the Consumer Advocate's Office, consumers who have communication difficulties - such as hearing loss or speech difficulty - and a member of the Board or the Board's designee.
The Council recently welcomed new members, Shirley Hampton, Wayne Johnson, and alternate member, Michael Sadler. Shirley is a representative of the DPRC as a consumer who is Deaf. She is presently an adjunct instructor in American Sign Language/English Interpreting Program at Scott Community College in Bettendorf, Iowa. Her interests in the latest technology developments and accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing make her a great asset to the Council.
Wayne Johnson is the State Regulatory Affairs Director for CenturyLink and Michael Sadler, alternate DPRC member, is the Assistant Vice President - Public Policy and Government Relations for CenturyLink. Both represent telephone companies for the Council and we are so fortunate to have their input and expertise on telecommunications.
The meetings are open to the public and anyone interested in observing the meeting is welcome to attend. The meetings are held at:
Iowa Utilities Board Building
1375 E. Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
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A Wealth of Information
Solutions for iOS (Apple) Communications and Accessibility
The website,
www.iaccessibility.com is a 24 hour / 7 days-a-week / 365 days-a-year online resource for everything Apple, Apple products, and accessibility related topics. From videos in American Sign Language, spoken in English, and fully closed captions, to reviews of accessibility apps and links to disability services and organizations, iaccessibility.com is a one-stop shop for individuals with hearing or speech difficulty.
If you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, you can communicate in a variety of ways using apps such as FaceTime, video relay calling, and unlimited texting. Assistive technologies such as closed captions and mono audio help you enjoy your content.
The website is powered by Teltex, Inc. and is available to everyone. This has been especially helpful for TAI applicants who have received iPads through our program. No matter if you are new to using mobile devices or are proficient, iaccessibilty.com can be a wealth of information for the many apps available to assist you in communicating. TAI iPad recipients are encouraged to visit the website to view all of the apps, descriptions and cost of the apps, training videos and podcasts, and many resources. Although the iPad comes pre-loaded with specialized communications apps, the recipient is able to upload additional apps that help with their communication needs, making life easier to stay in touch with family and friends. This is just another way TAI is helping you keep connected!
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College Scholarship Awarded to
Iowa High School Senior by Telecommunications Relay Service Provider Hamilton Relay
Ashley Hagedorn and Victoria Jordan
Hamilton Relay, Telecommunications Relay and Captioned Telephone Service provider for the state of Iowa, has awarded a $500 college scholarship to Victoria Jordan, a student of Newton Senior High School from Newton, Iowa.
The Hamilton Relay Scholarship opportunity is available to high school seniors who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking. A recipient is selected within each of the states where Hamilton is the contracted service provider and is one of several ways the company gives back to the communities it serves.
"Hamilton takes pride in recognizing outstanding leadership and promoting education," said Ashley Hagedorn, Relay Iowa Outreach Project Manager. "We are excited to have the opportunity to contribute to furthering Victoria's education and wish her success in reaching her personal and professional goals."
Victoria was awarded the $500 Hamilton Relay Scholarship after completing the application process, including writing an essay under the topic of communication technology. Victoria plans to attend Simpson College this fall to study biology and art.
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Hamilton Relay Celebrates 25 Years
Connecting lives for 25 years, Hamilton Relay has worked diligently to ensure that individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking are able to communicate effectively over the telephone.
In 1991 Hamilton Telecommunications created a new division, Hamilton Relay, with the responsibility of providing high quality Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). In the two and a half decades since, Hamilton Relay has evolved both with the changing technology and changing needs of customers. In 2003, expansion of the operation included Captioned Telephone (CapTel®) service, and since, Hamilton has become a national leader in providing CapTel service. Today, Hamilton Relay operates six relay call centers throughout the United States, providing Traditional Relay and/or Captioned Telephone service through 25 contracts to 18 states, the District of Columbia and the Island of Saipan. Hamilton also provides Internet-based captioned telephone solutions nationwide.
"I grew up with hearing loss, and the ADA was signed into law the year I graduated from college," said John Nelson, president of Hamilton Relay and CEO of Hamilton Telecommunications. "Looking back, the ADA has made a world of opportunities available that I was not able to take advantage of as a child. Over the past 25 years, our work at Hamilton has helped others realize those opportunities and for that, I am truly proud. Hamilton Relay's success comes directly from our commitment to this mission, and delivering top quality, reliable service and unmatched customer care and support."
Hamilton Relay measures their true success by the people they serve and the lives changed
through the use of the services provided.
"Relay opened a door for me. I now can use the phone. Thank you, Hamilton Relay!" - Sandra Gross, Rhode Island
"Without the CapTel phone system, I can neither make nor receive telephone calls. With their Internet-based tools, I am more confident, more independent, more self-sufficient and more comfortable using the phone. It works!" - Charlie Slover, Tennessee
"We believe that the people who use our service become part of our family, and we couldn't be more honored to support them," said Dixie Ziegler, vice president of Hamilton Relay. "We also deeply appreciate the remarkable loyalty we've received over the years from not only the customers who rely on us, but from our dedicated employees as well. We look forward to many more great things in the days, months and years to come!"
To stay up-to-date with all of Hamilton Relay's anniversary activities, visit Hamilton Relay on Facebook. To learn more about Hamilton Relay, go to
www.HamiltonRelay.com.
Hamilton Relay is a division of Hamilton Telecommunications, a diversified communications and technology service provider based in Aurora, Neb. Founded in 1901, Hamilton Telecommunications encompasses seven diverse company divisions that allow Hamilton to operate on a local, regional and national basis.
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Summer 2016 Issue
Serving All of Iowa
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Malinda Jorgensen Leeds and Ashley Hagedorn, Iowa Outreach Project Manager, Relay Iowa
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Time for a Change...TAI's Newly Remodeled Showroom
Our office is currently in the midst of a remodeling project and soon, we will be able to better accommodate you with our newly designed showroom. Here you see our "before" pictures of our equipment display area. We will have a semi-circle display that will make it easier for you to see and use the telecommunications equipment for yourself. In our next newsletter, we will show you our "after" pictures, so more to come!
Not sure which telecommunications equipment will work for you? If you are in the Des Moines area, please feel free to stop by our current showroom - same location, just a different part of the building. We have several phones, including the newest model of a captioning telephone and accessories that connect wirelessly to a cell phone for you to try. We also have an iPad Air with pre-loaded specialized communications apps for you to see.
Our showroom is designed to give you a complete experience of the products that are offered. You will be able to see firsthand how all the products look, sound, and work together. Within the showroom you will be able to make "live" calls and listen to the experience for hearing clearly over the phone
again!
TAI Telephone Showroom is open from 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. We are located at:
6925 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50322.
TAI is a valuable program that provides people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or have difficulty speaking over the telephone greater telecommunications access and a better quality of life.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at:
800-606-5099 (Toll Free)
515-282-5099 (Voice)
515-200-2898 (Video Phone)
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