How do deaf people use the phone?
Deaf or hearing-impaired people can use a TTY or TTD (telephone typewriter or telecommunications device for the deaf both can be used to describe the same devices) at home or on the road. The traditional TTY or TTD looks a bit like an electric typewriter or word processor with a small text display screen. Some have printer functions and answering machines. The TTY can only receive information from another TTY, since each part of the call is converted to beeps and relayed over phone lines like a fax. To facilitate communications between deaf and hearing people, phone companies provide free relay services in which hearing people are assisted by TTY operators to call deaf TTY users. There are also portable TTYs, TTDs and special aids that convert regular phones. Some places, such as interstate rest stops, even have pay TTYs available. Most portable TTYs look like sub-notebook computers, and some can be attached to a cell phone. A Voice Carry Over (VCO) device can be used by someone who ca
