How to Make a Phone Call if You're Hearing Impaired

Those who are deaf or hearing impaired can make free calls using a service where you view word-for-word captions of your telephone conversations over the Internet. If you or someone you know has difficulty hearing phone conversations, the Sprint CapTel service is invaluable. With this free service, you can easily make or receive a phone call and view captions of your conversation on your computer screen.

Things You'll Need

• a computer (either a Mac or a PC) with web browser
• internet connection to computer
• a working telephone that can receive calls

Instructions

1. Navigate to the Sprint CapTel website (sprintcaptel.com/index.asp). Click the "Register Now!" button to register.

2. Click on the "Place Call" button on the Web page. Enter the number that you're calling from and then enter the number of the person you want to reach. Next, click the "Place Call" button. The CapTel service will dial your number first; answer the phone when it rings. It then dials the number of the person you want to reach.

3. The caller must first dial 800-933-7219 for the hearing-impaired recipient to receive calls. For the caller's convenience, navigate to the website and click on the "Click Here" button to download a "PDF Call Me" business card template.

   This card has the 800 number imprinted on it. Write your name and your contact telephone number on the designated lines of the card. Hand these out to family, friends and business acquaintances for easy reference.

4. To receive a call, the hearing-impaired person must be logged onto the website. On the "Place Call" page, click on the "Incoming Calls" button.

   Type in the telephone number of the phone you'll receive your calls on. Your caller must dial the 800 number, then enter your 10-digit phone number followed by the "#" sign.

5. Answer the phone when it rings. View the captions on your computer screen and continue the conversation.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprint now offers this service on certain mobile phones for even more convenience.

• Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section (sprintcaptel.com/FAQ.asp) for further information.

• If you call 911 with CapTel, you must be able to tell the 911 operator your location. If you cannot communicate your location, do not use the service for emergency phone calls. Instead, hang up and dial 911 directly from your telephone.

References

• Sprint: Make a CapTel Call Via the Web