Communication Tips – Technology

Communicating by Phone
Deaf, late deafened, Deaf/blind and hard of hearing people can all use the telephone to communicate.  Some folks may use amplification devices while others may use Text Telephones (TTY or TDD) or phone equipment with Braille keypads.
These devices help people remain independent and allow them to communicate with the hearing world.


What is a Relay Call?

Dial the PA Relay #711
How do Deaf and hearing people communicate by telephone if both parties do not have access to a text telephone?  It’s easier than you may think.
Hearing and Deaf people can enjoy a confidential conversation by using the PA Relay System.  A relay operator called a CA (Communications Assistant) relays the call back and forth between both parties.  The hearing person voices their part of the conversation as if they were speaking directly to the other party.  The Deaf person types their conversation as if they were speaking directly to the other party.  The CA acts as a relay and converts the exact words into the necessary format.
Here’s an example:
H (hearing person): Hi, this is Mark.  Is Tom there?  GA (GA or Go Head lets the CA know you are finished speaking).
There is usually a short time lapse as the CA finishes typing your message.  The Deaf            person now reads your message on their own TTY phone and then types their message back to the CA.  The CA will now begin voicing Tom’s message.
D (Deaf person): Hi, Mark.  Tom here.  Are you back from school?  How was trip?  GA
The conversation continues until like any other telephone call both parties decide to hang up.
D: Okay, must start dinner.  Good talk with you.  Take care.  GA to SK (Go Ahead or Stop Keying).  (Time lapse)
H: You take care, too.  Night.  SKSK  (SKSK lets the Deaf person know that you are hanging up.)
Things to keep in mind about PA Relay:
  • All Relay calls are confidential.  The CA must not discuss any telephone calls that he or she relays.
  • The CA will identify themselves (by text) as male or female and will introduce themselves as CA and their ID number.  Should a call last longer than the CA’s time shift it is possible that another CA will  take over during the call.  In the event that this happens, the new CA will again introduce him or herself and give their ID number.
  • The CA must relay (either by voice or text) the exact words that he or she receives and must never interpret the meaning or change words.  It is helpful and will save time if you speak slowly and as clearly as you can.  Remember to say GA or SK when appropriate.  If the CA does not understand what you have spoken, he or she will ask for clarification.
  • Relay calls take longer to complete than a TTY or voice call.  Please be patient.
  • At the end of the call, the CA will ask the person who placed the call if he or she wishes to place another call.  You may go ahead and make another call or simply thank the CA for their assistance and hang up.
  • Relay service is FREE as it is a built in service fee in your regular monthly phone bill.
For more information, please dial 711.  Option 2 after opting for Voice Call gives you general instructions on how to place a call.

What is VCO?

VCO (Voice Carry Over) is a way that Deaf and hard of hearing people who are able to voice communicate using their TTY or the Relay System.
Many Deaf, late deafened or hard of hearing people are able to voice but not able to hear on the telephone.  Using the VCO method of communication allows these people to use the telephone to have a conversation but saves time in that they can voice rather than type on their TTY.
  • Place call using your TTY or phone and dial 711
  • The hearing person uses their TTY to type their part of the conversation and the Deaf person uses their voice to respond.
  • If using Relay, you must let the CA (Communications Assistant) know that you or the person you are calling is a VCO User.
  • The CA will type back that VCO is ON.  You may now pick up the regular handset and speak.
  • You will be able to read the response on the TTY and hold the phone at the same time so that you can voice your message.
Please go to TTY Abbreviations for a list of most common used text telephone abbreviations.