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What are TTYs? TTYs (TeleTYpewriters) are devices that allow Deaf, hard of hearing, and speech- impaired people to send and receive typed messages over standard (analog) phone lines. How do I decide which TTY is right for me? TTYs come in a variety of shapes and sizes with many different features. HSDCstore has put together a comparison chart, which compares the features of all the TTYs we sell, to help you select the TTY that best suits your needs. If you need additional assistance, please call us toll free at (888)328-2974 or email store@hsdc.org Do I qualify for a free or discounted TTY? Residents of Washington state who have a documented hearing loss can apply once every three years for an amplified phone or a TTY from the Telecommunications Equipment Distribution program (TED). Applications can be obtained by calling toll free 1 800-422-7930. The signature of a doctor, audiologist, or Deaf services provider is required to complete the application. No hearing tests are required. Residents of other states can find their state agency by visiting www.tedpa.org. If your state is not listed, you may want to contact a local Lion's Club for assistance. What do I need to know about my phone line before I buy a TTY? TTys are designed to work on analog phone lines, but can be modified to work with digital or IP technologies. Before purchasing a TTY, you need to know what type of phone line you have. If you need help determining this, please read the information below. How do I determine whether my phone line is analog, digital or IP? Analog lines, also referred to as Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), support standard phones, fax machines and modems. Unless you've specifically ordered digital or IP phone service, these are the lines in your home. Most office phones are digital, as are some hospital, assisted living facility, and hotel room phones. If you are purchasing a TTY for your office, it is best to ask your IT department what type of line options are available since you may have a choice between digital and analog. If you are having trouble figuring out whether your phone line is analog or digital, look at the back of the telephone connected to it. If you see "complies with part 68, FCC Rules" and a Ringer Equivalence Number (REN), then the phone and the line is analog. You can also look at the phone itself, if there are there multiple function keys or an LCD display. These are indicators that the phone and the line are digital. Can I still use a TTY if my phone line is digital? Of course, however, you will not be able to place the phone receiver on the cradle instead of directly connecting the phone line into the back of the TTY. For more information, see our Hints & Tips for TTY use. How do TTY callers communicate with people who don't have TTYs? The nationwide TTY Relay Service allows TTY users to call anyone who does not have a TTY. Click here for more information about the Washington State Relay services. |
