The Relay Service

Definition | The Way it Works | Voice Carry Over | Hearing Carry Over | Calling a TTY using a TTY | Calling a TTY using a Telephone | Calling a Telephone using a TTY | Use of VCO / HCO

Definition of RELAY SERVICE:

The relay service is a service to connect Deaf / Hard of Hearing or Speech Impaired individual with Hearing individuals. It is usually funded by the state, although more often than not, it is also funded from the private sector: See your phone bill for that 5 cents deduction each month. While this service does enable you to use your telephone to communicate with a TTY user (as an example) you will find it really worth your while to acquire a TTY. The truth of the matter is that while the Relay Service offers a very valuable service when you do not have a choice, I must emphasis on the many complaints received. For this reason, if you want to improve your relationship, and most importantly your speed of communication, try a TTY and compare. If you would like to try one before purchasing one, feel free to stop by TTS and test one out. We welcome you!

The Way it Works:

A person who is Speech Impaired, Deaf, or Hard of Hearing will type his / her words using a TTY. The message will be relayed to you by the relay operator who will read the message out loud to you. In turn, you will reply using your voice, and every word and sound you make will be relayed to the TTY user. Quick Note: When talking to a TTY user (and even though you will actually be talking to the operator) you should never say: …"Can you tell him… or Can you tell her…"? Please address your conversation to the person you are communicating with: The TTY user and he or she will be much more appreciative.

Voice Carry Over (VCO)

VCO communication is for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing person (the TTY user) who is still able to speak, and who wishes to speak to you directly instead of typing. However, because of the hearing impairment, you will need to go through a relay operator in order to relay your voice into text as the operator will type Your response to the TTY user.

Hearing Carry Over (HCO):

HCO is for the speech impaired person who wishes to listen rather than read. The speech impaired will type his or her words using a TTY so that the relay operator can then read the response to the hearing person.

Calling a TTY using a TTY:

If you are using a TTY, and wish to communicate with another TTY user, call the TTY number directly since you will not need to go through the time consuming relay operator.

Calling a TTY using a Telephone:

First call the relay operator toll free: 1-800-255-0135. The operator will ask the TTY number you wish to call. You will be charged for long distance calls, the exact same way as if you had dialed unassisted. Even though you are using your voice, you will need to say GA (Go Ahead) at the end of every thought / idea to let the other party know that it is their turn to type.

Calling a Telephone using a TTY:

First, call the relay operator toll free: 1-800-255-0056. The operator will ask the telephone number you wish to call. You will be charged for long distance calls, the exact same way as if you had dialed unassisted. All rules apply… therefore, first time users: Don't forget to type GA after each thought / idea to let the other party know that it is their turn to type.

Use of a VCO / HCO

VCO and HCO should really be assisted by an operator (unless you also have a Uniphone 1000 / 1140 - See Our Catalog to Order).

If you have additional questions, Email us: info@ttyweb.com

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