How Can I Talk to Deaf People on the Phone?

If you want to talk to deaf individuals on the telephone, several options exist. The easiest option is to contact the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing "711." This allows you to speak to your deaf friend through an operator while your deaf friend types messages on his phone--free of charge if the call is not long distance. However, other providers offer video relay, allowing your friend to use sign language while you use speech. If you plan to call deaf people regularly, you may want to buy your own telecommunications device for the deaf--essentially a typewriter telephone--to make direct, private calls without an operator.

Instructions

1. Make sure your friend has a telephone typewriter (TTY) or a telecommunications device for the deaf (TTD). These are telephones that allow deaf individuals to type messages on a keyboard and send them via telephone lines to the other end.

2. Dial "711" for a relay service and wait for an operator to take your call.

3. If calling long distance, tell the TTY operator which long-distance carrier you prefer. Otherwise, the operator will apply the relay service's default long-distance fees.

4. When prompted, give the operator the TTY number you want to call. Wait for the operator to dial.

5. Converse with your deaf friend through the operator. The operator will type your messages to your friend and read your friend's messages back to you. On your end, you speak to the operator, while on his end, your friend types messages on his TTY or TTD.

Tips & Warnings

• If your deaf friend prefers sign language over typing, use video relay such as the Sorenson Video Relay Service instead. If your friend has an Internet connection and the necessary equipment, you can speak to an operator, who will then sign to your friend. Your friend signs back, and the operator tells you the message.

• If you plan to call deaf people frequently, consider buying your own TTY or TTD. When using one, simply dial your deaf friend's number and type messages to her directly.

References

• Public Broadcasting Service: Deaf Culture: How to Navigate in a World Without Sounds
• Deaf Hope: How to Call Deaf People Who Have a TTY
• Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program: California Relay Service
• Sorenson Video Relay Service: What is SVRS?
• Federal Communications Commission: Dial 711 For Telecommunications Relay Service