Operator Assisted Speech
TTY
Description: A TTY user types a message to a communication assistant. A TTY user calls a TRS relay center and types the number of the person he or she wishes to call. The CA at the relay center then makes a voice telephone call to the other party to the call and relays the call back and forth between the parties by speaking what a text user types, and typing what a voice telephone user speaks.
Pros:
- Available to anyone with a voice disorder
- Information is kept confidential
- No fee for caller
- Built-in accessibility feature on many devices
Cons:
- Slight delays while the messages are being communicated by the third party
Important Links
Telephone Relay Service (TRS) – Speech to Speech (STS)
Description: Speech to Speech (STS) is a form of the Telecommunications Relay service (TRS) that enables persons with a speech disability to make telephone calls using their own voice or assistive voice device. The speech-to-speech user speaks to a communication assistant who is specially trained in understanding a variety of voice disorders. The communication assistant will revoice the words of the user to the person being called. No special telephone is needed.
Pros:
- Available for anyone with a voice disorder
- Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- No special equipment is needed
- Information is kept confidential
- No fee for caller
Cons:
- Slight delays while the messages are being communicated by the third party
Vendor that provides TRS service:
Sorenson Communication Call Assistance Program
Video Relay Service (VRS)
Description: VRS allows a person who uses American Sign Language to place phone calls by signing instead of typing. The communication assistant relays the conversation back and forth between the parties – in sign language with the VRS user and by voice to the person being called.
Pros:
- Conversations flow in near real time
- Information is kept confidential
- No fee for caller
Cons:
- Is not required by the FCC, but is offered by several TRS providers
Links: