A TTY, also called TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf), is a device that allows individuals who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, or speech impaired to communicate over the telephone. The device is fairly straightforward to use and requires just a little time and practice in order to master. Anyone who has used a keyboard or typewriter will find that little else is needed as far as skill or technical proficiency.

Receiving a TTY Call

If you answer the phone and hear a series of high-pitched beeps, (much slower than a FAX signal), you are receiving a TTY call. If you would like an example of what these beeps sound like, turn on your TTY and press the space bar several times. Most of the time, when a TTY user calls someone, they will press the space bar several times to indicate that a TTY is being used. It is also possible that the caller may not do this, and you may hear only silence on the other end. After repeating “Hello” and getting no verbal response, turn on the TTY and place the receiver on the couplers firmly. Immediately press the space bar several times to indicate that you have answered the call.

Begin typing your greeting. After you have finished, type GA. This means, “Go Ahead” and allows the caller to type. This process is much like the protocol used for CB Radios orwalkie-talkies in which “Over” is the turn-taking signal.

When typing, it is not necessary to press “Return” or “Enter.” Text is automatically transmitted as you type. Continue this turn-taking process until the conversation is over. When you both are ready to hang up, type your farewell and indicate you are ready to hang up by typing GA TO SK. This means, “Go Ahead, and I’m ready to hang up if you are.” The caller will either type their farewell followed by the SK or will make any additional closing comments or questions. The proper way to end a conversation and hang up is when both parties type SK without additional information in between, (SKSK).

Again, these guidelines are provided to give you an overview of the protocol. Many users of TTY’s are aware that others might not have a complete understanding of the protocol; so if you happen to make a mistake, or overlook something, don’t worry too much about it. The important thing is to practice from time to time. This will allow you the opportunity to become comfortable with both setting-up and using a TTY.

Common Abbreviations

Below is a list of common abbreviations used to make conversation by TTY a little quicker. Additionally, when typing messages, some words are purposefully left out in order to shorten the time it takes to get the point across. Also, most punctuation is omitted.

Sample Conversation

• Make sure the phone is placed securely on the couplers.
• Remember to type “GA” each time you finish typing for turn taking.
• Remember to wait until the caller types “GA” each time before you respond.
• Punctuation may be deleted in order to save time. Use additional spaces after each sentence.
• Question marks can be indicated using “Q” or “QQ” followed by the “GA.”
• Verify important numbers such as telephone or address, as information may sometimes become scrambled due to interference.
• Remember to follow your normal telephone protocol for politeness; you may even want to add a “(SMILE)” every once in awhile.
• Words in parenthesis indicate “tone” or facial expression, (e.g. (LAUGHING), (THINKING), (GRIN), (WINK)).
• Make sure to have both parties type SK before hanging up.

If You Don’t Have a TTY

If you don’t own a TTY, you can still make and receive calls from TTY users. This is done through a relay service called Relay Texas (RT). The service is free of charge and the RT operator functions as an interpreter during your phone conversation. Everything you say will be typed to the caller and everything the caller types will be voiced to you. The number is 1-800-RELAY-V-V.

If you have additional questions or concerns regarding accommodations for students who are deaf or hard of hearing at Texas State, please contact the ODS Liaison Interpreter.