What are your options for communciation when you can not speak or hear? Do you have a TTY Relay System in your home? Do you know somebody who does? Do you know what your options are when you do not speak or hear?
There are 2 TTY RELAY SYSTEMS:
(1) TTY TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT’
(2) TTY RELAY THROUGH YOUR COMPUTER AND CELL PHONE.
Since this information is confusing I will place a # 1 or # 2 in front of the equipment I am talking about.
#1 ----- A TTY Telephone is a phone which is issued to you FREE from the California Relay Service. To order a phone call TTY at 800-806-1191 or visit ddtp.org.
(1) They will send you a registration form.
(2) It must be signed by your doctor.
(3) It must be faxed or mailed back.
(4) A Field Representative will call and bring the equipment which meets your special needs directly to your home,
(5) The representative will train you in how to use it and install it.
When you receive your TTY Telephone it is plugged into a telephone line. It will have a small key pad and a small screen depending on your disability. When you type your message to the operator you will be able to hear your contact person speaking to you. If you are deaf, you will receive your message back typed.
#2 ----- COMPUTER:
The computer is a completely different type of relay system. You use your own personal computer. It will need a DSL Modem. You can use a Laptop, Palm pilot, Blackberry or your very own cell phone. Contact TTY at 866-735-0373 or www.IP-Relay.com. You will be using the website www.aim.com to place or receive your phone calls. You will also have the option of printing out your telephone conversations.
#2 ----- LAPTOP:
When you use your laptop computer you will need to stop at a business which has a wi-fi. One of these places is Starbucks. Make it your home away from home. Have a cup of coffee and place and receive your phone calls through the TTY Operator Relay System. The keyboard on your Laptop will be comfortable and familiar for you to key on.
#2 -----CELL PHONE:
The cell phone which you never thought you would ever be able to use again can be your number one phone. Instant communication. You are not limited to one area and you do not need to carry around a heavy laptop.
Verizon carries a cell phone with a phone pad and a computer keypad. It is a great and easy way to type your phone messages. When you type to a relay operator the operator will type back. You will not be able to hear the voice of your phone contact.
The technology of today is astonishing. It just keeps getting better. Why not take advantage of it. Do not lock your self away from the world. You now know there is a way to communicate with the rest of the world by telephone.
#2 ----- IN CALIFORNIA THERE ARE 3 REALY STATIONS:
Sprint 800-676-3777
MCI 866-735-0373
Nordia 866-734-2777
YOU DO NOT NEED TO MAKE A CHOICE ON WHICH RELAY SYSTEM YOU SHOULD HAVE THEY ARE BOTH AVAILABLE TO YOU AND THEY ARE BOTH FREE:
Thank you for reading my article. I have written several articles on this very subject. You never know when this information will be helpful for you or your loved ones.
Copyright Linda E. Meckler 2007
Linda is the author of her first published book, “Ghost Kids Trilogy. "Christy, 12 and her Brother Brad, 16 moves into an old house on top of a mountain and meet two Ghost Kids. Then we have a mysterious, magical Blue Vase where Uncle Charlie the villain is trapped.Take a walk with Christy and Brad down a dark hall hunting for Pirates” Treasure.
Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages. http://www.lmeckler.com
Check out my new 4 E books Titled:
How To Appeal Medical Bills
Appeal and Collections Letters for Medical Providers
Boost Your Self Esteem and Blossom
Stop Computer Pain on my website http://www.lmeckler.com/store
