Introduction

Hearing Impairments

Otitis Media

Technology

Interpreter

Sign Language

Tips

What If...?

TTY/TDD/Relay

Discussion and Web Safari Links

OnlineTest

Children's Hearing Booklet

Children graphics by

Tips on Using TTY/TDD/Relay

by Karen Scheck

You may find that your student with a hearing loss is unable to hear well enough to use a telephone or perhaps their parents are unable to hear on a phone. In this case you will need to use a TTY/TDD or relay service to communicate.

A TTY/TDD is a teletype telephone device used by the hearing impaired. Instead of using a voice message it allows two people to communicate using a written message. A person with a TTY/TDD can call another person with one also. Or a person with a TTY/TDD can call a hearing person without one by using a telephone operator relay system. The relay system can also be used by a hearing person to call a TTY/TDD user.

To call a TTY/TDD user from a regular phone simply dial 711. A computer operator will tell you to punch in the phone number you wish to call. An operator will come on the line and inform you that the phone is ringing, is busy or has been answered. When it is answered say, "Hello. My name is ___________________. I am calling to speak to _______________. Go ahead."

(Each time you are finished saying what you want, say Go Ahead and this will let the operator and the other person know it is their turn.)

Speak exactly as you would to the person you are calling. The relay operator will type your statement on a TTY/TDD which will then be sent to the person with the hearing loss. That person will respond and the operator will read the response. There is a slight delay in going back and forth. Also, be sure to talk slowly and clearly. If you speak too fast, the operator will ask you to slow down.

Also, remember that it is not unusual for people with hearing losses to have some difficulty with reading comprehension. So be sure to speak in simple, direct sentences. Try not to use words with multiple meanings or words of a high vocabulary level. However, try to sound as natural as possible. You don't want to come across sounding like you are talking down to someone.

When you are ready to end the conversation say you are Signing off and the person will know that you are ending the conversation.

If you are making a call directly using a TTY/TDD you will type and read your conversation (like doing instant messaging.) When you are finished and want to give the other person a turn type GA (meaning Go Ahead.) When you are finished the conversation type SKSK (meaning Signing Off.)