Hearing and/or Speech Impaired
Telephone Communications

To call a deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired individual who uses a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TTY), you must have a TTY or use a relay service.

A relay service provides a communication link between deaf individuals using a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TTY) and hearing individuals using a standard voice telephone, communicating simultaneously with each party. When the hearing caller speaks, the operator types the information to the TTY caller and, when the TTY caller types, conversely reads the message to the hearing caller.

Dialing instructions:

• Dial the relay number. You may hear a series of beeps. These are the TTY tones identifying the relay to a deaf caller. Stay on the line and an operator will come on to assist you.
  
• The communications operator will answer with their personal ID number. (Relay call conventions will be explained if you have not used the relay before.)
  
• Once the deaf person in on the line, identify yourself with your name, organization, and the reason for the call. For example: Hello, this is Tom Jones from the Department of Energy. I am calling... After you have finished, say GA (go ahead), meaning that you are finished and ready for the response. The operator will then ready the TTY user's response, and the conversation will continue in a similar manner until the call is concluded.

Tips for using the relay:

• The operator will type everything they hear, including background noise and conversations. They also will transmit the tone of voice, i.e., anger, curt, laughing.
  
• Speak as though you are talking directly to the person you are calling. Do not say tell her/him.
  
• Because relay calls take a bit longer than a standard voice call, it is best to have everything you will need at hand before placing.

Relay Service Numbers:

Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS)                    DC Relay
1-800-877-8339 TTY/Voice                                               202-855-1000 Voice
                                                                                     202-855-1234 TTY

Maryland Relay                                                            Virginia Relay
1-800-735-2258 TTY/Voice                                               1-800-828-1140 Voice
                                                                                     1-800-828-1120 TTY

DOE Employees with TTY Numbers

DOE Locator Services Directory

V/TTY: Answered by voice, TTY compatible

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