How to Use a TTY
A teletypewriter (TTY) is a telecommunication device used by people with hearing impairments to communicate over the telephone. As long as you have a phone that is compatible with the device, a knowledge of TTY etiquette and the ability to type, it should be easy for you to use a TTY.
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Instructions
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Use a TTY
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Use a TTY that has a 2.5 mm audio jack when using a digital cordless phone. These TTYs can also be used in the car. When using a phone with a cord, ensure that the cord is on the left-hand side.
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2
Turn on the TTY, watching for the power light and phone light to come on. After placing the handset in the acoustic coupler--the modem that transmits the information of your call--make sure the phone light goes off. This light responds to the sounds picked up by the acoustic coupler; there should be no sound picked up before you make your call.
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Dial your number and pay attention to the patterns of the phone light. Since it flashes in patterns that correspond to the sounds on the other end of the phone, a busy signal can be identified by a the quick pulses of light. Likewise the phone light will flash slowly when the phone on the other end is ringing.
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Watch the TTY screen for the person on the other end to answer, typically by typing his name and the abbreviation for "go ahead" (GA). If the phone light stops blinking and nobody has typed a greeting, it may be that a hearing person has answered. You can indicate a TTY call by pressing the space bar a few times.
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Begin typing after seeing "GA." Identify yourself and the purpose of your call, making sure to end your message with "GA." When using a TTY a conversant can only take his turn in conversation after seeing the abbreviation. Even if you know what the other person is going to type, a TTY message in process can't be interrupted.
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Finish your conversation by typing "GA to SK," which literally means "go ahead to stop keying." It is a standard method of saying good-bye or signaling the end of a conversation.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with your cell provider to see whether your phone is TTY-compatible, as only compatible digital phones can be used with a TTY, even to call 911.
