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Deaf-Blind Resources
Primary Tasks
Secondary Tasks
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.
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