Accessibility Services

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• Click here for Accessibility Services information for Wireline Phone
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• Click here for Accessibility Services information for Wireless Phone
• Click here for Accessibility Services information for Television

Message Relay Service

The Message Relay Service enables customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, and who use a Teletypewriter (TTY), to communicate with others via the telephone. You simply type your conversation to a Relay Agent who then reads the typed conversation to the other party. The Message Relay Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no charge for using the Relay Service to place local calls and regular long distance rates will apply for long distance calls. Calls placed through the Relay Service are entirely confidential. Relay agents are professionally trained and follow a strict code of ethics. No record of conversation content is retained.

Numbers to call

You can place a call by dialing the number below, depending on whether you are calling another TTY device or a telephone.

• Voice to TTY dial 1-800-855-0511
• TTY to Voice dial 711
• TTY to TTY dial 1-800-855-1155

Getting Started

• First, dial 711. The Relay Agent will answer saying, RELAY SERVICE, (agent’s name) SPEAKING, followed by GA (for go ahead).
• Type in the area code and number you would like to call, and then type GA. (note: although you aren’t required to give the agent your name or the name of the person you are trying to reach, doing so helps the agent connect to the person you are calling).
• The Relay Agent will dial the number and will let you know how the connection is progressing e.g. (ringing 1...2...3...), inform you when someone answers, and then give the person’s gender in brackets (e.g. (f) female, (m) male).

Tips for TTY users

• Give the Relay Agent your name and the name of the person you are calling. This makes it easier for us to initiate your call.
• Give the Relay Agent the call recipient’s area code, even when it is a local call.
• You may leave messages on answering machines or voice mail systems. When you leave a message, leave the number
• 1-800-855-0511 as part of your message, along with your area code and phone number.

How the Message Relay Service works for voice users

• Standard telephone users can easily initiate calls to TTY users. A Relay Agent will type your spoken words to the TTY user and read back their replies.

Getting started

• Telephone users should first, dial 1-800-855-0511. The Relay agent will answer saying, RELAY SERVICE, (agent’s name) SPEAKING, followed by GA (for go ahead).
• Provide the Relay agent the area code and number you would like to call. (note: although you aren’t required to give the agent your name or the name of the person you are trying to reach, doing so helps the agent connect to the person you are calling).
• The Relay Agent will dial the number and keep you informed, as you will not be able to hear the line ring.
• The Relay Agent will tell you when the TTY has answered and read what is typed, followed by GO AHEAD. GO AHEAD is your cue to begin speaking.
• Always finish by saying GO AHEAD so the TTY user will know it is their turn to respond.

Tips for Telephone users

• Remember to speak directly to the TTY user, not to the Relay Agent.
• Speak a bit more slowly than usual as the Relay Agent is typing word for word what you are saying.
• Spell names.
• Always say GO AHEAD when you are finished.
• Always wait for the Relay Agent to say GO AHEAD before speaking.
• Let the Relay Agent know at the beginning of the call if you are familiar with the service.