TTY Users
 
A person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind uses a TTY to type his or her conversation to a Communication Assistant (CA), who then reads the typed conversation to a hearing person. The CA relays the hearing person’s spoken words by typing them back to the TTY user.  
 
To make a call from a TTY:

1. Dial the OTRS TTY number, 711 or 1.800.735.2900.
2. Oregon Telecommunications Relay will answer with "8234" (for CA identification), the letter "F" or "M" (for CA gender), and "NUMBER CALLING PLS GA." ("GA" denotes "Go Ahead," and indicates that the other party can start their conversation).
3. Type in the area code and telephone number you wish to call, and then type "GA."
4. The Communication Assistant will dial the number and relay the conversation to and from your TTY.
5. When you are ready to complete your call, type in "SK" (Signing off).

 
Voice Carry Over User:
 
Voice Carry Over (VCO) allows hard of hearing users to speak directly to a hearing person. When the hearing person speaks to you, a CA will type the other party’s communication.
 
To make a VCO Relay Call:

1. Dial 711 or the VCO direct number, 800.735.3260.
2. If you dial 711, say you want to use VCO.
3. OTRS will answer with "8234" (for CA identification), the letter "F" or "M." (for CA gender), and "VCO OR TYPE NOW GA."
4. Voice or type the area code and telephone number of the party you want to call.
5. The CA will type the message "Voice now" to you as your cue to start speaking. Pick up the telephone handset and speak directly to the hearing person. The CA will not repeat what you say, but will type to you whatever the hearing person says. You both need to say "GA" at the end of your responses.
6. To indicate the end of the call, you will say "SK" (Signing off) or "good bye."

 
Receiving a VCO Relay Call:

1. The CA will announce the incoming call by typing "OTRS with a call from (name) GA."
2. When it is your turn to respond, type "Please use VCO GA."
3. Pick up the telephone handset and begin talking to other person. After you are finished talking say, "Go Ahead" and put the telephone handset back on the TTY acoustic coupler. Watch the TTY screen for the response.
4. After the CA types "GA," it is your turn to talk again.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the conversation is completed.

 
Note: If your TTY has a direct connect feature, there is a special jack that you may be able to purchase from a store that sells telephone equipment. It is called a "Y" jack. It allows you to connect both your phone and TTY to the telephone wall jack, eliminating the need to keep picking up the telephone handset and replacing it during your conversation. It will allow you to read the responses on the TTY screen and keep the telephone handset up to your ear and still be able to talk directly.
 
Two-Line Voice Carry Over (2LVCO)
 
2LVCO allows individuals with a hearing loss to use their own voice on the telephone with amplification, while still receiving text support. You can speak for yourself and read the TTY screen to see what the other person says. This feature allows for a truly interactive conversation without having to say "Go ahead." While this provides you with the greatest amount of flexibility during your calls, it also requires the greatest responsibility, as you will be in total control of your calls. This feature requires that you have 2 telephone lines:
 
One line is connected to your personal computer or TTY. A computer may be preferable because it is faster and has a larger screen, making it easier to see the entire conversation.
 
A second line is used as a voice line. Three-way conferencing capability must be ordered from your local phone company for this line.
 
How to Place a 2LVCO call:

1. Dial the Relay Service number, 711 or 1.800.735.3260, using your computer or TTY.
2. Ask the CA to dial your second phone line. After you answer your second phone line by voice, tell the CA that you want to make a two-line VCO call and not to type your voice, but rather the voice of the person you are calling. Then ask the CA to hold while you dial out.
3. You then press your "flash" or "hold" button and dial the number of the person you want to call.
4. Once you have finished dialing, press the "flash" or "conference" button. The CA will be able to hear the ringing of the person you called and will begin typing exactly what is heard once the phone is answered.
5. You will speak directly to the person you called.
6. When you are finished with your call, simply press the "flash" button to disconnect from the person you called.