• Phone Access for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, & Speech Disabilities | Nationwide Relay Services AskSAMIE: Answers for Accessibility
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Phone Access for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Speech Disabilities | Nationwide Relay Services

Phone Access for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Speech Disabilities | Nationwide Relay Services

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Relay services make it possible for people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, or who have speech-related disabilities to communicate by phone. These services connect users to a professionally trained Communications Assistant who relays the conversation between two parties—making communication clear, fast, and confidential. Whether you speak, type, or use a captioned or amplified phone, there’s a relay option designed to support your specific needs.

Relay services are available nationwide 24/7, typically at no cost to the user. If you or a loved one struggles to use a standard phone, relay can help maintain connection, dignity, and independence.

Why we know this works

We love this relay services resource because as occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) we meet clients who hand every phone call to a spouse or adult child, and each handed off call chips away at privacy and independence. Can someone who cannot hear or speak clearly still make their own phone calls? Yes: dial 711 anywhere in the U.S. and a trained Communications Assistant relays the conversation, whether you type, read what the other person says, or use Speech-to-Speech relay where the assistant re-voices unclear speech. Relay is available 24/7, calls are confidential, the service is free, and it works with TTYs, captioned phones, amplified phones, and smartphone apps.

This is especially valuable for people with ALS, Parkinson's, stroke related speech changes, and those who are Deaf or DeafBlind. If the person can still follow speech and mainly needs the caller's words louder or in print, our How to Get a Captioned Phone listing may be the simpler first step.

How to access this resource

Dial 711: Universal access point across the U.S.

Available 24/7: Relay services are always on, including holidays.

No Cost: Provided free of charge by your state telecommunications provider.

Equipment: Use with TTYs, captioned phones, amplified phones, or smartphones with compatible apps.

Privacy: All calls are confidential and Communications Assistants are bound by strict privacy rules.

If you're unsure which type of relay is best, you can still dial 711 and ask for help choosing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I call someone who is Deaf or uses a TTY?
A: Just dial 711 and provide the phone number. A Communications Assistant will connect your call and type what you say to the TTY user, then read their typed response aloud to you.

Q: What if my loved one has unclear speech due to a stroke or neurological condition?
A: Use Speech-to-Speech (STS) relay. The Communications Assistant is specially trained to understand and re-voice unclear speech.

Q: Can someone who has trouble hearing still talk on the phone?
A: Yes! Voice Carry-Over (VCO) lets them speak for themselves and read what the other person says.

Q: Is relay only for landlines?
A: No. Most relay services work with smartphones and have apps for mobile users.

Q: Is this only for older adults?
A: Not at all. Relay supports people of all ages who have hearing, speech, or communication-related challenges.

Q: Is there a cost to use relay services?
A: Relay calls are free. If you need specialized equipment, some states offer programs that can help cover the cost.

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