Total Resource Guide:
Telecommunications, TTY and Adaptive Telephones
Telephone conversations can either be heard over conventional telephones or read via a TTY device's data terminal with a keyboard for text messages read by persons with deafness or hearing loss. TTYs generally consist of a keyboard and display screen. (Contact information for all devices and manufacturers listed at the end of this guide under Resources and Vendors.)

TTD/TTYs (and TTY software)
TTYs can be used with telephones, over PC modems, and with cellular telephones. Some support voice carry over (VCO) for those who wish to speak, and then read the typed responses sent from the other person. VCO also comes in portable versions to convert regular telephones. Of course, the most appropriate device is one that suits your budget and preferences, not just your needs. Be sure to see all the new equipment out in today's market before making a decision. Some products have pay plans worth considering, since they will be useful for many years to come. You deserve the best!

Here are a few TTYs to investigate:
Worldview TTY
Hitec Group International, Inc. sells the Worldview TTY—a high-speed TTY personal computer. The Worldview TTY supports voice carry over and comes with a specialized video camera so users can type, speak, fax, or sign to other TTY users with video over the Internet. (The video camera is an upgrade to a WorldView TCS—TeleASL video.) Payment plans start at $25.00 a month. See Hitec below for details and information on many communication devices. HITEC also carries a cellular TTY system and various adaptors.

Intele-Modem™
The Intele-Modem™ by Ultratec automatically converts ASCII code to TTY (TDD) code. It allows users to talk to all different types of text telephones and computers, and directly connects to a telephone line. Intele-Modem™ works with standard communication software and provides computer control with a modem. See Ultratec below for details.

TeleBraille™
by Freedom Scientific provides deaf-blind users access to the telephone. The TeleBraille™ combines a standard TDD with a Braille display and is made portable with a battery pack.

EaseTalk™ + MIC300i
Easetalk™ is a modem software program by Microflip that features simplified TDD, a French text option, dial number, cancel dialing, hang up, clear screen, save conversation, print conversation, time-elapsed indicator, phone status indicator, automatic dialing. Contact Microflip, Inc. for details.

Fulltalk +MIC300i is an internal modem answering machine with remote access and auto detection for TDD or ASCII with numerous special features. Contact Microflip, Inc. for details.

Adaptive Telephones
Amplification devices help some persons with hearing loss, depending on the extent of the hearing loss. An inline amplifier is very versatile because it plugs into most telephone jacks through the curly cord and certain models are very powerful. Consumers benefit from additional features like tone control or variable ring sounds, flashing lights, and large dial buttons, or an audio jack to connect to an additional listening device. Audio jacks require an electrical outlet, as well as a telephone jack. Portable amplifiers, amplification handsets, or cordless amplified telephones also are handy. Be sure to check out a variety of devices to learn what is most useful to you. [Also see alerting systems.]

A Hatis™ device is designed for hearing aid users with a telecoil (a T-switch or T-coil). A Hatis provides clearer sound quality than a standard telephone and also can be used with a cellular telephone. The Hatis eliminates digital interference and comes with a built-in microphone. A cable connector is needed to plug the Hatis into a telephone that doesn’t have an audio jack.

The Krown Manufacturing Pocket Speak and Read VCO™ (PVCO) is portable. It’s placed on the earpiece of the handset of any telephone (pay telephone, cordless, standard, or cellular) and used as a VCO device. Users speak and read the other person’s responses.

The Ericsson 778 cellular telephone is compatible with hearing aids. Some people use a T-switch on their hearing aid in order to facilitate clearer sound quality of the caller's voice. A T-switch on a hearing aid blocks out background noise.

What’s an ITY?
Interpretype®, also known as an ITY™, is an interactive communication system that provides a means of communicating without using speech. ITYs are designed as communication tools so non-signing persons can converse with non-hearing or signing persons. They can be useful in hospitals, to police or the courts. Interpretype® consists of a prograble laptop-style device that can send and display typed messages to other ITY™ devices or a computer that has a Windows application. Learn more here: http://www.interpretype.com/ity/what.php

Resources
Cordless Workz
http://www.cordlessworkz.com
Offers a Bluetooth© device for hearing aid wearers. Visit this site to see if your hearing aid is compatible

Freedom Scientific, Inc., Blind/Low Vision Group
Phone: 727-803-8000 800-444-4443
Fax: 727-803-8001
Web: www.freedomscientific.com
Manufacturers/consultants of communication devices.

Hearmore
(631) 752-0738 voice
(631) 752-0689 fax
http://www.hearmore.com
Distributors of amplified telephones, TTYs, and other telecommunication devices; shop on-line

HITEC Group International
(800) 288-8303 voice (toll-free)
(630) 654-9200 voice
(888) 654-9219 fax
(800) 536-8890 TTY
Web site: http://www.hitec.com
HITEC Group International distributes a diverse selection of communication products and other assistive technology devices for people with speech, visual, auditory and mobility impairments. Communication consultants are available to assist consumers.

Phone Merchants
http://www.phonemerchants.com/hearimeq.html
Phone merchants are distributors of a large selection of adaptive telephones, including TTYs and VCOs; on-line shopping.

Ultratec
608-238-5400
http://www.ultratec.com
Manufactures telecommunications devices for the deaf that can be made to work with VersaBrailles™ a communication device for the deaf-blind.

Telephone Relay Systems (TRS)
Telephone Relay Services (TRS) link people using a standard (voice) telephone with people using either a text telephone (TTY) or telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD). Calls are routed through a communications operator who has both sets of equipment and who acts as the intermediary between callers. Such services eliminate communication barriers between people with and without hearing or speech impairments, and between the different telephone equipment they typically use.

Note: Infinitec Inc. does not endorse or recommend this product and has no liability for the results of its use. Infinitec Inc. has received not consideration of any type for featuring this product on this Web site. The information offered herein is a summary; it is not comprehensive and should be carefully evaluated by consumers with the assistance of qualified professionals. The intention of Infinitec Inc. is to offer consumers a brief overview of various assistive technology devices and their applications.