TTY and Relay Services Available on the Internet

It was only a few years ago that communication between people who were deaf, blind, mute or hard of hearing was restricted to a TTY device installed with their home telephone. Technology has come a long way in the past 5 years and many resources are available to anyone with the click of a mouse who needs to contact a business or even friends and family while they are online. The following websites have been tested and are available to anyone who needs assistance.

IP-Relay.com –

This site is easy to use and free of charge to anyone who needs to use it. You will see a Quick Connect Now button towards the top of the screen when you first access the site, click on it and start typing. A relay operator will be happy to assist you instantly.

AT&T; Relay Services –

Another free service designed by AT&T.; This one is also easy to navigate, just click the Make A Call Now button on the front page and you will be directed to a screen where you will type in the number you want to call and an operator will instantly assist you. Go to the following address to access the site: http://www.consumer.att.com/relay/internet/

Federal Relay Service Online –

This is a more unique online relay service provided by Sprint for embers of the military or employees in government positions. It is also available to members of the public who are attempting to contact military members or government employees. This service allows the user to communicate either with an operator in writing or via video to use sign language. This site currently only works for users with Windows or Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher. Go to the following address to access the site: http://www.frso.us/index.jsp

I711.com –

This site also provides video and typing relay services for free. Just type in any number you wish to call in the United States and Puerto Rico and the relay operator will help you place your call. This site does not allow 911 or International calls and currently the video feed is available to Windows and Internet Explorer users only.

Hamilton Relay Services –

This is another text and video relay service available to internet users with any system that supports JAVA. With this service you can also set up an online user profile and receive notifications of missed calls in test or in a video message. If you want to make this site your service of choice you can also set it up to be your relay service on your wireless device such as a cell phone or Blackberry. Go to the following address for more information: http://hamiltonrelay.com/index.asp

Keep in mind any time you use an online relay service you will need to have your TTY device handy in case of an emergency or power outage. You will not be able to access the internet in a power outage situation and some of the sites on the internet currently do not support 911 calls.