PHONE COMMUNICATION WITH A PERSON WHO IS DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING

Phone options for communicating with a deaf/hard of hearing or speech impaired person:

Texting on a cell phone – This is the most prevalent means of communicating via phone. It is appropriate for short communiqués.

Relay service – This method of phone communication will facilitate longer, more in-depth conversations.

Relay may be received via regular phone or video phone. Either way, the hearing person will use a regular phone (land line or cell). The deaf/hard of hearing person will receive the information through a third party operator who has been trained as a sign language interpreter or a communication assistant who will type your conversation to the deaf person.

The nationwide relay phone number is 711. The operator will direct you on how to proceed with your call. You will tell the phone number of the person you are calling to the operator who will facilitate the call.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) provides full telephone accessibility for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Amendments Act.

Relay services are confidential. No records of conversations are maintained.