A deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired person uses a text telephone (TTY), a device with a typewriter-style keyboard, a text screen, and/or a paper printout to record the conversation. When making a call, TTY users may dial the Relay and type their side of the conversation. Their words are then relayed verbally to the hearing party by a specially trained Communications Assistant (CA). The CA types the words of the hearing party for the display and/or printout on the TTY
Using a specially equipped VCO phone, or a TTY, the VCO user speaks directly to the second party when conducting a phone call. When the second party replies, his or her words are typed by the CA, and then displayed on the VCO telephone user's text screen. No typing by either party is necessary.
A VCO phone looks and works just like a standard telephone, with the exception of the text display screen. A VCO phone can be used to place calls through OTRS, or directly to a second party. (A TTY phone can also be used for VCO calls because it has a text screen.)
Two-line Voice Carry Over (2 Line VCO, 2LVCO)
Two-Line VCO enables users to talk and be talked to simultaneously, and can be used with ASCII TTYs or PCs.
With conventional VCO, conversations are more structured and may be slower since ASCII cannot be used with "standard" VCO. Thus conversations with two-line VCO are more interactive, spontaneous and "real-time". It is the closest thing yet to true "functional equivalence" of telephone usage.
Voice-to-Text
Hearing Carry-Over...a solution for those with speech difficulties. Some individuals with excellent hearing have no audible or intelligible speech. That's why OTRS offers Hearing Carry-Over (HCO). Using a text telephone (TTY), the HCO user types his or her part of the conversation when conducting a phone call. A specially trained Communications Assistant (CA) then voices the typed words to the second party. When the second party replies, the HCO user listens directly to him or her.
Though a TTY works like a regular telephone with the addition of a typewriter-style keyboard, itÕs not required for HCO users to be expert typists. CAs are trained to deal with misspelled words or other typographical errors. HCO users can call any party through OTRS, or they can phone another HCO user directly.
Two-line Hearing Carry Over
HCO-to-TTY
2 Line HCO (2LHCO)
Text-to-Voice
Speech to Speech is the relaying of calls for those who have a speech disability and may not be readily understood when using the telephone. This service is also available by calling 711 or the direct number provided by the TRS provider. The communications assistant is able to assume an active or passive role in repeating the conversation and follows the same guidelines as with a TTY call-all conversations are private, confidential and relayed in their entirety, 24 hours a day.
IP Relay enables two-way communication between an individual who9 uses a non-voice terminal device (a computer, PDA, Web-capable telephone, or pager device) and an individual using a standard voice telephone. IP Relay Service works as follows:
A user establishes a local connection to an Interne service Provider (ISP) using a computer, Web phone, personal digital assistant, or any other IP-capable device.
The user points the Web browser to the Internet address and clicks on the relay operator's icon.
When the call reaches the Internet platform, it automatically establishes a connection, via and 800 number, to that TRS provider's relay center.
The call is immediately routed to a communications assistant, and a regular relay session is initiated.
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From: http://www.nchearingloss.org/iprelay.htm?fromncshhh
IP-relay stands for Internet Protocol relay and it is a relay service that uses the Internet instead of the phone system.
Using IP-Relay, anyone with a computer connected to the Internet can connect to a communication assistant (CA) using a chat-like window under their browser.
Most services offer a simple system which does not require any special software on your computer, and they also provide, if you want it, a free download of a more powerful software tool that adds nice features and improves the experience. The more powerful tool typically offers features such as font and color control.
Several services are available. To make an IP-Relay call, just use your browser to go to one of the following web sites:
AT&T VRS
Hamilton Internet Relay
MCI Relay
Sprint Relay Online
Any of those sites, will allow you to type in a number to call, and a CA will then dial that number for you. When the party you called answers, the CA will type what they say and you'll be able to read it in your browser's chat-like window. You can then type a reply and the CA will voice what you typed to the other party.
IP-Relay also simplifies placement of Voice Carry Over calls if your computer does not tie up your phone line when you are connected to the Internet.
IP-Relay calls also have the advantage of being completely free ... even for long distance, since the Internet is used for the long distance portion of the call that you would normally have to pay for if you were using a TTY or VCO phone.
Video Relay Service (VRS) is a video link using TRS that allows a communications assistant to view and interpret the caller's sign language and relay the conversation to a voice caller. This type of relay service is not required by the FCC, but is offered on an optional basis by certain TRS providers. To learn more about VRS in your area, call your local TRS provider, or visit the FCC Web site.
• Dial the first person (or answer an incoming call)
• After the first person answers, let them know that you are going to add another person to the call and you will be putting them on hold while you add the new person
• Press the switchhook, flash or talk button
• Listen for dial tone
• Dial third party
• Announce the conference to third party
• Press the switchhook, flash or talk button
• Begin three-way conversation
• When you hang up, all other parties will be disconnected
Allows you to listen to a caller's voice before picking up the call. This may be useful for people with speech impairment who prefer speaking to people they know.
Allows a private, hands-free conversation with better sound quality than with a handsfree telephone. But some users may have difficulties getting the headset on or off.
Built into phone, these allow the volume of a person's voice on the other end of the telephone to be increased.
Used with the 'T' setting on a hearing aid, an inductive coupler improves the clarity of telephone conversation by cutting down on background noise. Many phones and all public payphones and emergency motorway phones are fitted with inductive couplers. The ear symbol should be displayed on these phones.
If used with a behind the ear hearing aid, the switch on the aid to should be put to the 'T' setting and the telephone handset moved around the hearing aid to find the correct position for the clearest sound.
Store frequently used numbers which are then automatically dialled at the touch of only one or two buttons. This is particularly useful if there are problems dialling due to dexterity or sight problems, the user is unable to remember numbers or is able to understand numbers.
The number can be dialed without lifting the handset - it only needs to be picked up if the call is answered. Useful if the user only has good use of one hand or they need to read the number carefully when dialing. If used with a Memory facility, can take just 2 key presses to contact someone. ('Memory' entry in this glossary).
This will boost a quiet voice, so that the person at the other end can hear it better.
Please note, telephones with this facility initially need to be switched from the default setting of incoming speech amplification. Instructions for this simple procedure come with the phone.
This is helpful for people with difficulty dialing accurately or quickly. The whole number to be dialled can be keyed into the phone, checked on the phone's display and corrected if necessary before connecting to the line and dialing the number at the touch of one button.
Listen to messages left on answering machine through the telephone handset. Useful for hearing aid users, if the handset has an inductive coupler.
The volume of the ring can be increased on many telephones and on some, the pitch of the ring can also be adjusted to suit a particular hearing loss.
The Short Message Service is available as standard on most mobile telephones, SMS allows short, text messages to be sent to and from mobile phones. SMS messages can also be sent from many e-mail services, including BT's Talk21. This is particularly useful for people with a hearing or speech problem who would otherwise be unable to use a mobile phone and BT Cellnet provide a data only tariff for those who wish to only use SMS. Visit the Talk21 website.
Because calls using a Textphone or keyboard speech devices take longer, telephone bills are higher for people who use them. The scheme provides a rebate on calls made using a keyboard driven device. Calls made via BT TextDirect are automatically discounted.
Phones that play musical tones when pressing the keys.
Choose how many rings before the answering machine answers the call.
Consisting of a typewriter keyboard and small display, Textphones allow users to hold a typed conversation with someone with similar equipment over a telephone line. Both incoming and outgoing conversations appear on the screen. Textphone users can communicate with a standard telephone through BT TextDirect/Typetalk.
These phones play musical tones when the keys are pressed and are often used when accessing services over the phone.
If taking notes during a telephone conversation is difficult, the conversation can be recorded and played back after the call has finished.
Available on many answer machines and alarm telephones, the voice prompt feature gives audible announcements to help set up and operate the machine. Useful if reading the user guide or identifying the correct keys is a problem.
Adjusting the angle of the telephone can make it easier to see and access.
Through OTRS, VCO users can get voice answering machine or voice mail messages. To access this service, the VCO user calls the CA and places the telephone receiver next to the answering machine. The messages are played into the receiver and the CA then types them to the text screen of the VCO user's phone.
Using a specially equipped 2-line phone, the VCO user can enjoy an even more natural conversation because the user can employ one line for talking while the other is devoted to the text screen. This allows the user to interrupt the second party, and in general, conduct a more spontaneous call.
What You Should Know About Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS)
Think for a moment how valuable the telephone is in your everyday life. The telephone allows you to talk to others immediately and conveniently. But what about those persons who can't hear, can't speak or those whose hearing has diminished with age? how do you communicate with them?
Telecommunications Relay Service, also known as TRS, is your convenient link to telephone system users who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled. This service creates a link for persons using a standard voice telephone with person's who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled and use text telephones or TTY's.
When you want to call a TTY user, simply call TRS. A communications assistant will place your call and tope you spoken words for the text telephone user to read. The communications assistant will also read messages that the TTY user sends back to you. All conversations are private and confidential and everything the communications assistant hears will be relayed to the TTY user. There is no censorship. There is no charge to to TRS users, however, long distance and toll charges do apply. Callers can use TRS as often as they want-24 hours a day, seven days a week-and conversations have no time limits.
You can reach the TRS by dialing 711 in any state. TRS providers also have direct dial numbers that are listed in the telephone directories or on their Web sites.
TRS provides for other services to be used as well:
Speech to Speech is the relaying of calls for those who have a speech disability and may not be readily understood when using the telephone. This service is also available by calling 711 or the direct number provided by the TRS provider. The communications assistant is able to assume an active or passive role in repeating the conversation and follows the same guidelines as with a TTY call-all conversations are private, confidential and relayed in their entirety, 24 hours a day.
TRS call from payphones - On October 25, 2002, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that TRS calls from payphones will remain free of charge for local calls, and that TRS toll calls from payphones can only be made using the following payment options: Calling Cards, Prepaid Cards, Collect, Third Party Billing. More information on prepaid phone cards is on the FCC's Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) Web site.
Video Relay Service (VRS) is a video link using TRS that allows a communications assistant to view and interpret the caller's sign language and relay the conversation to a voice caller. This type of relay service is not required by the FCC, but is offered on an optional basis by certain TRS providers. To learn more about VRS in your area, call your local TRS provider, or visit the FCC Web site.
IP Relay Service: On April 22, 2002, the FCC ruled that IP Relay Service falls within the definition of TRS. IP Relay enables two-way communication between an individual who9 uses a non-voice terminal device (a computer, PDA, Web-capable telephone, or pager device) and an individual using a standard voice telephone. IP Relay Service works as follows:
A user establishes a local connection to an Interne service Provider (ISP) using a computer, Web phone, personal digital assistant, or any other IP-capable device.
The user points the Web browser to the Internet address and clicks on the relay operator's icon.
When the call reaches the Internet platform, it automatically establishes a connection, via and 800 number, to that TRS provider's relay center.
The call is immediately routed to a communications assistant, and a regular relay session is initiated.
Two-line VCO
Many of you have heard of the Voice Carry Over (VCO) feature of Telecommunication Relay Systems (TRS).
Stephanie Buell of Wisconsin TRS spoke about a novel extension of VCO at the recent SHHH convention in Baltimore called `Two Line VCO'. Two-Line VCO enables users to talk and be talked to simultaneously, and can be used with ASCII TTYs or PCs.
With conventional VCO, conversations are more structured and may be slower since ASCII cannot be used with "standard" VCO. Thus conversations with two-line VCO are more interactive, spontaneous and "real-time". It is the closest thing yet to true "functional equivalence" of telephone usage.
Two separate phone lines
A telephone plan purchased from your Local Exchange Carrier with three-way calling (also known as conference)
A direct connect ASCII TTY or PC equipped with a modem
Call TRS on DATA line using ASCII TTY or PC
Type to Communications Assistant (CA) that this will be a two line VCO call
Instruct CA to call you on other phone (VOICE)
Answer the voice line with your voice (to allow the CA to distinguish your voice from other voices) and tell CA you will be conferencing another person into the call, and NOT to type your speech at all!!!!
On voice line, say `Please hold' to the CA
Press FLASH or HOLD on phone
Dial the number of the person you want to call on VOICE line
Press CONFERENCE or whatever is the button for three way calling.
When the called party answers, the CA will immediately start typing. So as soon as you see `Hello' or whatever is on the DATA line, you can start talking. Moreover the other person has no idea that you are using TRS. The CA will type only the other person's speech which is read on the DATA line.
NO NEED FOR THAT TIME CONSUMING `GA' or `GO AHEAD'.......
The CA will NOT communicate with the third party but the CA will indicate if the third party is talking too fast or whatever thus you would have to ask the third party to slow down i.e. you are in control of the whole process.
The caller also has the flexibility of hanging up on the called party without losing connection with the CA. An additional advantage is that it will be easier to deal with pre-programmed dialing for calling cards, 900 numbers, automated recorded menus etc.
Most offices have the facilities that allow two-line VCO to work so make use of these before you decide to make the investment of a second phone at home.
For those of you with hearing aids or cochlear implants, this can also provide excellent auditory training.