Relay Iowa

About Us

 

Telecommunications relay service provides full telephone accessibility to people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech impaired. Specifically trained Communication Assistants (CAs) process relay calls and stay on the line to relay conversations electronically, over a Text Telephone (TTY) or verbally to hearing parties. 

The service, known as Relay Iowa, is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no restrictions on the number of calls placed or on their length. This valuable communications tool gives all individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech impaired the opportunity to make personal and business calls just like any other telephone user. Both TTY and voice users may initiate calls through Relay Iowa. 

Why Relay Iowa?

Partnership
The Iowa legislature passed a law and created the Dual Party Relay Service, naming the Iowa Utilities Board as administrator. The Iowa Utilities board then contracted with Sprint to provide telephone relay service in Iowa. Relay Iowa has been in operation since August 1, 1992. As of Jan 1st, 2005, Hamilton Relay Service assumed operation of Relay Iowa. 

Reliability
Relay Iowa uses state-of-the-art technology and equipment in bringing its service to relay customers in Iowa. For example, Relay Iowa's system lets callers store personal reference information such as frequently called numbers, preferred call type, long distance carrier and other data using a customer profile. This allows calls to be processed faster and more efficiently. 

Convenience
Relay Iowa delivers feature-rich service to make calling easy and convenient. In addition to supporting a wide array of call types -- TTY, Voice Carryover, Hearing Carryover and more -- Relay Iowa also provides features such as voicemail or answering machine retrieval. 

Quality
The key to Relay Iowa's quality of service are the Communication Assistants who handle each call. Sensitive and skilled, Relay Iowa's Communication Assistants receive extensive training. In addition, Relay Iowa routinely monitors performance to ensure that quality remains high. 

How can Relay Iowa enhance my everyday life?
Relay Iowa knows that "Quality of Service Means Quality of Life." Relay service is more than technology. It's what makes it possible for you to reach out to friends, family, colleagues, customers, business and service providers -- without giving it a second thought. Because communication is an important aspect of everyday life, the successful completion of your relay call is important to us. Whether you're chatting with a friend or closing an important business deal, you can look to Relay Iowa for the quality of service that makes communication effortless -- and enriching.

QUALITY OF SERVICE MEANS QUALITY OF LIFE. RELAY IOWA IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE KIND OF SERVICE THAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE TO REACH OUT TO THE WORLD AND COMMUNICATE -- WITHOUT GIVING IT A SECOND THOUGHT.

 

Services

For TTY Users

A person who is Deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or speech impaired uses a TTY to type his/her conversation to a Communication Assistant (CA), who then reads the typed conversation to a hearing person. The CA relays the hearing person's spoken words by typing them back to the TTY user.


For Voice Users
Standard telephone users can easily initiate calls to TTY users. The CA types the hearing person's spoken words to the TTY user and reads back the typed replies. 


For Voice Carryover Users
Voice Carryover (VCO) allows Deaf and hard-of-hearing users to speak directly to a hearing person. When the hearing person speaks to you, a Communication Assistant will serve as your "ears" and type everything said to you on a TTY or text display.


For Hearing Carryover Users
Hearing Carryover (HCO) allows speech-impaired users with hearing to listen to the person they are calling. The HCO user types his/her conversation for the CA to read to the standard telephone user.


Computer (ASCII) Call Processing
Computer users can also access Relay Iowa directly. Set your communications software to the following protocols at speeds ranging from 300 to 2400 baud: (note: it may be helpful to set your "time out" to 100 seconds.)

8 Bits 

No Parity 

1 Stop Bit 

Full Duplex 

When calling at a rate of 300 baud, follow the above settings, using Half Duplex. 


Emergency Calls
In case of emergency, TTY users should call the TTY-equipped 9-1-1 Center or emergency services center in their community. All customers should verify the emergency phone numbers for TTY calls in their area. Calls placed directly and immediately to the local TTY emergency number can save valuable time in urgent situations. For more information on how to obtain emergency numbers in your area, call Relay Iowa Customer Service. 


Public Payphones
The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) issued an order outlining an interim plan for access to public payphone service through the relay. The order states:

All local calls from payphones are free of charge.
toll calls can be billed through calling cards and prepaid calling cards. 

TTY users who wish to use a coin TTY payphone can use Relay Iowa to assist in connecting calls. The are several ways to bill non-local calls:

Collect
Third Party
Calling Card or Prepaid Card 


What equipment do I need to use Relay Service?
The most common device used to make a relay calls is a TTY (text telephone device) that can be used together with a phone headset. However, the equipment you need may vary depending upon the type of relay service you use. For more information on how to obtain a device for your specific needs, contact Telecommunication Access Iowa, (515) 282-5130 TTY, or (515) 282-5099 Voice. In some cases, it may be available at little or no cost to you. 

 


Turbo Code
Relay Iowa offers Ultratec Turbo Code to relay users. This feature allows for more natural, back-and-forth conversations, the ability to interrupt one another, and information sent at the same speed it is typed.


Billing Preference
There is no charge for using Relay Iowa within your local calling area. Long distance call rates are determined by the carrier of choice. Tell the CA your preferred long distance carrier if you do not wish to use Sprint. Relay Iowa gives you a number of billing options when you place intrastate, interstate, or international calls. Please notify the CA of your preferred billing option:

Direct
Collect
Third Party
Local exchange carrier (LEC) calling card
Other long distance calling card
Prepaid phone card 


Directory Assistance
Relay Iowa will relay Directory Assistance (DA) calls between TTY users and a directory assistance operator. Once the caller makes the request, the Communication Assistant will connect to the DA operator. After obtaining the number, the caller may choose to place the call through Relay Iowa or dial it directly TTY to TTY.

International Calls
Relay Iowa allows you to place and receive calls to and from anywhere in the world (using English or Spanish language only). Calls originating from a country outside the US may also access Relay Iowa via 1-605-224-1837.

Spanish Relay Service
Relay Iowa offers Spanish relay service. TTY users can type in Spanish and the conversations will be relayed in Spanish. To request Spanish relay, dial 1-800-264-7190. Relay Iowa also offers Spanish to English translation service.


Relay Iowa Customer Service
Relay Iowa Customer Service is available to answer questions about TTY calls, or to receive customer suggestions, comments and complaints. When calling about a specific incident, please remember to provide the Communication Assistant (CA) identification number, date and time of call. Customer Service can also provide Relay Iowa brochures and other additional relay information to customers.

Address Book Listing


Joni Nicoll
Send Email

350 Maple Street Aurora
68818

Voice: 1-888-516-4692
TTY: 1-888-516-4692

Communication Profile
TTY, Voice, HCO, Hard of Hearing, Blind