TTY Deaf Communication Protocol

Deaf people can communicate by phone with a TTY or teletypewriter. A TTY has a keyboard that allows users to type what they want to say. There is also a small screen that allows them to read replies.

Abbreviations

When conversing by TTY, you may use abbreviations to shorten the amount of typing you must do. Common abbreviations include "GA" and "SK."

Go Ahead

TTY users type "GA" to say, "Go ahead" when they have finished typing. It indicates that the other person should respond then. That way both people do not try to type at the same time.

Stop Keying

TTY users type "SK" to say, "Stop keying" when they are finished conversing. It is the equivalent of saying goodbye. When someone types "SK," you can hang up.

Relay Service

When a hearing person needs to call a deaf person with a TTY, they can dial 711 from any phone to reach the relay service. An operator will type what the hearing person says so the deaf person can read it. The deaf person then types his response and the operator reads it to the hearing person.

Don't Speak to the Operator

When communicating through the relay service, speak directly to the person you are calling. Do not tell the operator, "Tell him I said to meet me at 10." Just say, "Meet me at 10." The operator will type everything you say.

References

• E-Michigan Deaf and Hard of Hearing People: TTY or TDD
• UNC Division of Information Technology: TTY Protocol