Jackie is one of the 48 million Americans that report some degree of hearing loss. She was experiencing difficulty hearing on her home phone so she sought help at West-Central Independent Living Solutions (WILS).

CDS Specialist Samantha took Jackie into the Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) room, and Jackie was amazed at all of the TAP phone options WILS had. Samantha helped Jackie initiate a test call with one of the other WILS case workers. During the first call, the boost (amplification volume) was on the lowest level and when Jackie heard the case worker talk, her eyes lit up! She was astonished at the fact she could clearly hear the case worker on the other line.

During the second call, the pair turned the volume up to the middle of the boost, and Jackie thought it was incredible that she could have a clear and easy conversation on the phone without having to strain to hear the person on the other end. It was clear, this was the phone for her.

By maintaining funding for Centers for Independent Living, we can ensure that individuals with disabilities like Jackie have access to the support and resources they need to live independent, self-determined lives. Every person deserves the opportunity to live life to the fullest, and Centers for Independent Living are essential in helping to make that a reality for people with disabilities.