Deaf-Blind Resources

The Deaf-Blind program at the Iowa Department for the Blind helps individuals obtain information about the resources available to assist with everyday life. This may include information on technology and/or communication aids such as the Tellatouch, TTY, American Sign Language, Personal FM systems, phone amplifiers, technological aids, vibra-calls, writing guides and more.

VR Services for the Deaf-Blind Available from IDB

The video linked below presents information about vocational rehabilitation services available to individuals who are Deaf and Blind through the Iowa Department for the Blind.

https://youtu.be/K9cwnTUWQtg

Iowa Resources

• Relay Iowa
  Relay Iowa is a telephone relay service that links deaf, hard-of-hearing, speech-impaired, deaf-blind and hearing users to each other for communication over the telephone. Relay Iowa is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year and does not have restrictions on the length or number of calls. These calls can be placed by dialing 7-1-1.
• Iowa Equipment Distribution Program
  The Iowa Equipment Distribution Program, administered by Telecommunications Access Iowa, helps individuals pay for specialized telephone equipment. Qualified individuals can receive a voucher for approximately 95 percent of the average cost of specialized telephone equipment.
• Iowa's Deafblind Service Project
  A grant-funded project whose mission is to build the capacity of families and service providers to improve the outcomes of children and young adults (birth - 21) who are deaf-blind.

National Resources

• Helen Keller National Center
• National Center on Deaf-Blindness
• Ultratec
• Williams Sound Corporation
• Federal Communications Commission
• Harris Communications
• Sound Clarity
• Hamilton Relay
• Western Governors University (WGU)

A Guide to Closed Captioning Technology

For more information on IDB's deaf-blind services, contact:

Kim Barber
Independent Living Supervisor
(515) 250-1184
kim.barber@blind.state.ia.us

Keri  Osterhaus
Vocational Rehabilitation Program Supervisor
(515) 205-8583
keri.osterhaus@blind.state.ia.us