WHAT IS TTY & WHAT EQUIPMENT IS AVAILABLE?
How is communication possible among people who are deaf, hard of hearing, don’t speak or have speech that is difficult to hear? The most common method of communication via telephone among the deaf and hard of hearing is a TTY (teletypewriter); or a TDD which is a telecommunication device for the deaf. A Telephone Typewriter (TTY) is a text-based device that enables people who are deaf or have a speech impairment to communicate via the telephone line. By using the TTY keyboard two people can type messages to one another over a telephone line or via the Sprint Relay Service. The conversation appears on a small display located on the phone.

How do TTYs and TDDs work?
The user types a message that appears on the screen of the recipient. The recipient responds in the same manner throughout the duration of the conversation. So what happens when a hearing person tries to call someone who does not hear? The hearing person dials the Sprint relay service that provides service to the deaf community of Utah. The operator will connect the hearing person with the deaf individual. The operator then relays the information given by both parties.

What equipment is available from the PSC?

TTY Miniprint 425: Includes advanced capabilities that are already programmed making TTY conversations easier than ever. The auto-answer takes calls and prints messages when you are unavailable. A convenient, built-in flasher notifies you of incoming calls. The Miniprint has Turbo Code which lets you control the speed of your conversation so that your conversation is in "real-time" with no delays.

TTY Superprint Pro80 (large visual display): Has a built-in, 80-character printer that uses standard sized thermal paper. This TTY has advanced features such as auto answer, a full dialing directory, and 32K memory to store conversations, memos and Caller ID information. 
 

The NEW CapTel amplified phone uses voice-recognition software so that captions appear only 2 or 3 seconds after the words are spoken. The CapTel includes a text display where the user has the option to read a captioned version of the conversation. With CapTel, captions appear in real-time. The CapTel also includes an amplified handset and tone control to maximize clarity.

HCO/VCO Uniphone 1140: A unique combination of a telephone, TTY and amplified phone so that the deaf, hard of hearing and hearing can share one phone. This is a full-featured TTY that is perfect for making Voice Carry Over (VCO) calls. With VCO you can speak directly to the other person and read their typed responses on the display. VCO calls can be made through Sprint relay or directly between two Uniphone users. In a similar way, people who can hear but cannot speak can make Hearing Carry Over (HCO) calls.

TTY with Braille: A standard TTY with Braille keypad.

Amplified phones:
CrystalTone: Increases the volume up to 35db and actually enhances the sound quality for crystal clear reception. This is the only amplified phone available that allows users to choose either high or low frequency amplification.

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Descriptions provided by Weitbrecht Communications Incorporated.
Photos provided with permission from Ultratec.

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