VOICE

7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384

Standard (voice) telephone users can easily initiate calls to TTY users. The relay operator types the standard telephone user's spoken words to the TTY user and reads back the typed replies.

711 is the statewide telephone relay number that connects standard (voice) telephone users with deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, and/or speech impaired people who use text telephones (TTYs). Relay users can now simply dial 711 to connect with Washington Relay. This allows easier access, particularly for less experienced relay users such as businesses, children, or friends and family of TTY users.

Occasionally, people who try to place relay calls from a corporate office or hotel room using the 711 number may experience difficulties. This may be because the number has not been programmed into the internal telephone system (e.g. PBX or Centrex). Contact your office administrator or local telephone service provider to ensure that the 711 service is available.

Instructions

• Dial the voice number, 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1. (Dialing the 800 number is preferred because the service would be answered by voice first, whereas dialing the 7-1-1 number would be answered via TTY first, unless your telephone number has been branded by the customer service for the system to automatically recognize your telephone number as a voice caller).
• You will hear the relay operator answer "WA RELAY OPR 9136 (F) NUMBER CALLING PLEASE? GO AHEAD." 9136 is a relay operator identification number, as each relay operator has his/her own identification number which is rotated on a scheduled basis.
• Give the relay operator the area code and telephone number of the party you wish to call. If there are any further instructions, you may give that to the relay operator as well.
• The relay operator will process your call, relaying exactly what the TTY user is typing to you, as well as exactly what you are saying to the TTY user. Be sure to talk directly to the TTY user, while avoiding "tell him/her..." Say "GO AHEAD" at the end of each response you make, and you will hear the same from the TTY user. "GO AHEAD" means you've completed your response, indicating that it's the TTY user's turn to respond, and vice versa.

TEXT-TELEPHONE (TTY)

7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388

A person who is deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, or speech impaired uses a TTY to type his/her conversation to a relay operator, who then reads the typed conversation to a standard telephone user. The relay operator relays the hearing person's spoken words by typing them back to the TTY user.

711 is the statewide telephone relay number that connects deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, and/or speech impaired people who use text telephones (TTYs) with standard (voice) telephone users. Relay users can now simply dial 711 to connect with Washington Relay. This allows easier access, particularly for less experienced relay users such as businesses, children, or friends and family of TTY users.

Occasionally, people who try to place relay calls from a corporate office or hotel room using the 711 number may experience difficulties. This may be because the number has not been programmed into the internal telephone system (e.g. PBX or Centrex). Contact your office administrator or local telephone service provider to ensure that the 711 service is available.

Instructions

• Dial the TTY number, 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
• A relay operator will answer "WA RELAY OPR 9136 (F) NUMBER CALLING PLEASE?" GA. 9136 is a relay operator identification number, as each relay operator has his/her own identification number which is rotated on a scheduled basis. (F) or (M) is the gender of the relay operator. GA stands for "GO AHEAD" which means it's your turn to type.
• Type the area code and telephone number of the party you want to call.
• The relay operator will dial the number and relay the conversation to and from your TTY. Type "GA" at the end of each response.

VOICE CARRY-OVER (VCO)

1-800-833-6386

Voice Carry-Over (VCO) allows deaf or hard of hearing users to speak directly to hearing people. When a standard telephone user speaks to you, a relay operator serves as your "ears" and types everything said to your TTY or VCO phone.

Instructions

• Dial the VCO number, 1-800-833-6386.
• A relay operator will answer "WA RELAY OPR 9136 (F) NUMBER CALLING PLEASE?" GA. 9136 is a relay operator identification number, as each relay operator has his/her own identification number which is rotated on a scheduled basis. (F) or (M) is the gender of the relay operator. GA is "go ahead" which means it's your turn to speak/type.
• Voice or type the area code and telephone number of the party you want to call.
• The relay operator will type "VOICE NOW" as your cue to start speaking. You can speak directly to the person. The relay operator will not repeat what you say, but only type what the other person says back to you. You both will need to say "GA" at the end of your responses.

VCO to TTY

The relay operator types what the VCO user says to the TTY user. Whatever the TTY user types goes directly to the VCO user's TTY or text display equipment to be read.

VCO to VCO

The relay operator serves as both parties' "ears," typing what is said on both ends of the call.

VCO to HCO

The VCO user speaks directly to the HCO user. The HCO user's typed responses are sent directly to the VCO user.

VCO with Privacy

This is similar to the standard VCO feature. However, the relay operator will not hear the VCO user's voice and only types the standard (voice) telephone user's responses back to the deaf/ hard of hearing user. Request privacy by typing/voicing to the relay operator: "Privacy ON."

Two-Line Voice Carry-Over (2LVCO)

2LVCO allows a customer with 1) two telephone lines or 2) one telephone line and one computer line to use one line for speaking directly to a standard telephone user while the other line is used to receive the called party's typed responses. This feature provides a more natural flow of conversation without the pauses of single-line calls.

HEARING CARRY-OVER (HCO)

1-800-833-6388

Hearing Carry Over (HCO) allows speech disabled users with hearing capabilities to listen to the person they are calling. The HCO user types his/her conversation for the relay operator to read to the standard (voice) telephone user.

Instructions

• Dial the HCO number, 1-800-833-6388.
• A relay operator will answer "WA RELAY OPR 8024 (M) NUMBER CALLING PLEASE?" GA. 8024 is a relay operator identification number, as each relay operator has his/her own identification number which is rotated on a scheduled basis. (F) or (M) is the gender of the relay operator. GA is "go ahead" which means it's your turn to speak/type.
• Type the area code and telephone number of the party you want to call, then "HCO PLEASE GA"
• After connection, the relay operator will not repeat what the other person has voiced directly to you, but only voice your typed conversations to the other person. After you type "GA," you'd need to pick up the handset to listen to the spoken reply (as well as returning the handset back to the TTY before typing again). You both will need to say "GA" at the end of your responses.

HCO to TTY

The HCO user listens while the relay operator voices the TTY user's typed message. The HCO user types his/her conversation directly to the TTY user.

HCO to HCO

HCO users may contact other HCO users through Washington Relay. The relay operator will voice to both parties what is typed on each user's TTY.

HCO to VCO

The HCO user listens to the VCO user. The HCO user's typed responses are sent directly to the VCO user.

SPEECH-TO-SPEECH (STS)

1-877-833-6341

TELEBRAILLE

1-800-833-6385

Deaf-blind relay users often use special TTY's equipped with telebraille or large visual displays and prefer slower typing speeds to read messages. Washington Relay has a toll-free number that provides customized relay service for the unique need of these individuals. During these relay calls, the relay operator will type at a normal speed, but the message will come across at a rate of 15 words per minute, allowing users to achieve a more readable rhythm. Users can also request increased or decreased rates of text in increments of 5 words per minute.

Spanish / Español

1-877-833-6399 TTY
1-877-833-6398 Voice

A person who is deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, or speech impaired uses a TTY to type his/her conversation to a relay operator, who then reads the typed conversation to a standard telephone user. The relay operator relays the hearing person's spoken words by typing them back to the TTY user.

Una persona quien es sorda, sorda-ciega, con dificultades para oír o con dificultades para hablar, usa un equipo de teletexto (TTY) para escribir su conversación con un operador de relevo, quien a su vez lee la conversación escrita a un usuario del teléfono estándar. El operador transmite las palabras habladas de la persona que escucha, escribiéndolas de vuelta para el usuario del equipo de teletexto.

International Calls
1-605-224-1837

Washington Relay allows you to place and receive calls to and from anywhere in the world using English or Spanish. Callers from a country outside the US may also access Washington Relay by calling 1-605-224-1837.

900 services
1-900-230-3327

To make 900 service number calls, dial 1-900-230-3327 to connect with Washington Relay. The relay operator will then dial the requested outbound 900 service number.

There is no charge to connect to the 900 relay number. Billing or charges will begin upon connection to the 900 service number, and rates vary depending upon the 900 service number called.

Remember, you are responsible for any 900 service number call charges. To end or avoid charges, disconnect your call immediately. If you wish to block 900 service number calls placed through Washington Relay, please call Customer Service at 1-800-676-3777 TTY/Voice, and request a block on 900 service number calls.

Emergency
9-1-1

In case of emergency, relay users should call the TTY-equipped 9-1-1 Center or emergency services center in their community. Washington Relay can process emergency calls but they may take longer to get through. For more information on how to obtain emergency numbers in your area, call Customer Service at 1-800-676-3777 TTY/Voice.

TTY Public Payphone
7-1-1

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an order outlining an interim plan for access to public payphone service through relay services. The order states:

• All local calls from TTY payphones are free of charge.
• Toll calls can be billed through calling cards and prepaid cards.

TTY users who wish to use a coin TTY payphone can use Washington Relay to assist in connecting calls. There are several ways to bill non-local calls:

• Collect
• Third party
• Calling card
• Prepaid card

ASCII Splitscreen

ASCII Split Screen is designed to allow High Speed ASCII computer users and relay operators to type and communicate more clearly and quickly. It also allows the user to see both parties' responses on his/her screen at the same time. ASCII Split Screen users call Washington Relay from their personal computer using modem software that supports split window display.

One window displays the ASCII user's text and the other window displays the relay operator's text. As either party types, his/her text will appear in the associated window, even if both callers type at the same time.

What equipment do I need to use this service?

• Personal computer and high-speed modem
• Modem software that supports split-screen display
• A transmission speed of 1200 baud or above using modem settings of Full Duplex, Non-Host, or Local-Echo-On mode. Users are responsible for setting up their own ASCII equipment and software. For specific instructions on modem settings, please contact the product's manufacturer.

Answering Machine / Voice Mail Retrieval

TTY users can request Washington Relay to retrieve messages from their voice answering machines or voicemail. To request answering machine retrieval, type "AMR" with instructions or password and then "GA." The relay operator will type, "PLS PLACE YOUR HANDSET NEXT TO YOUR ANS MACHINE AND TURN ON GA." Place your handset on the speaker part of the answering machine until all messages have been retrieved. Then place the handset back on the TTY and type "GA." The relay operator will type your messages.

To request voice mail retrieval, type the phone number you wish to call with your password or special instructions and then "GA."

IP Relay

IP Relay is internet protocol based relay service using your computer connected to the internet. IP Relay is also available on AOL Instant Messaging (AIM).

Benefits of using IP Relay:

• Increased access! You can access IP Relay from work, home, libraries, online cafes and anywhere with computer/internet access. Great for travellers, students, professionals, etc. There is no need for traditional TTY equipment.
• Unrestricted calls! No long distance charges for making calls. In other words, all calls are FREE! No international calls are allowed.
• 24/7 basis! You can make calls anytime!
• Secure calls! You can make calls with full confidentiality. There are security measures to ensure that all of your calls are made in complete privacy.
• Customize your calls! You have the freedom to customize the look and feel of your call, with several options and capabilities:
• split screen
• language preferences (English or Spanish)
• text size
• text color
• background color
• emotion icons
• dialing instructions
• print and save options
• Make 2LVCO calls! You can make two-line VCO calls with IP Relay! How does it work?
• Put in your home number for the relay operator to call back to you. Your phone line must have a three-way conference calling capability.
• Upon receiving the call from the relay operator, connect your outbound party.
• The relay operator will type on your internet browser screen, while your outbound party is speaking.
• Works with dial-up connections! You do not need a high speed internet access (e.g. DSL or cable modem) to use IP Relay.

COMPATIABILITY

The following applications are required for using IP Relay :

The IP Relay application is implemented using Adobe Flash and requires that Adobe (Macromedia) Flash Player 7 or higher be installed. If the player is not installed, or the incorrect version is installed on your computer, you will be automatically prompted to install this plugin. To learn more about Adobe Flash Player, please visit http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/.

Operating Systems: Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X.

Browsers: Internet Explorer 5.5+, Netscape 6.1+, Firefox and Safari.

DISCLAIMER: Internet-based Relay (i.e., Video, IP Relay and iCTS) services are funded by the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services Fund. Payments to providers is administered under a contract with the FCC by Rolka Loube Saltzer Associates (RSLA). The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) does not presently reimburse Sprint or any TRS provider for any Internet-based relay service. To view a list of Internet-based iCTS, IP and VRS providers, go to the following link: http://www.dshs.wa.gov/hrsa/odhh/relser.shtml

VRS TO VIDEO RELAY SERVICE (VRS)

Video Relay Service (VRS), is an exciting new supplement to the traditional TTY relay service. This service provides American Sign Language (ASL) users with an attractive alternative that offers them the opportunity to communicate by video conferencing, using their native language, which may be preferred over the traditional TTY relay service.

Benefits of using VRS:

• Enable the ASL user to communicate in his/her native language.
• Vastly increased communication speed.
• Enhance communication, with use of facial expression and body language cues.
• Remove communication barriers for slow typists and/or exclusive ASL users.
• Able to make interruptions.
• Able to work efficiently with automated telephone transfer systems.
• Provide functional equivalency of making phone calls.

DISCLAIMER: Internet-based Relay (i.e., Video, IP Relay and iCTS) services are funded by the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services Fund. Payments to providers is administered under a contract with the FCC by Rolka Loube Saltzer Associates (RSLA). The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) does not presently reimburse Sprint or any TRS provider for any Internet-based relay service. To view a list of Internet-based iCTS, IP and VRS providers, go to the following link: http://www.dshs.wa.gov/hrsa/odhh/relser.shtml

CAPTIONED TELEPHONE (CAPTEL)

Captioned Telephone (CapTel) works like any other telephone with one important addition: It displays every word the other party says throughout the conversation. CapTel users can listen to the other party, and can also read the typed captions in the CapTel's bright display window.

CapTel users place a call in the same way they would when using a traditional phone - by dialing the number directly. The CapTel unit automatically connects to Washington Relay Captioned Telephone Service as you dial. When the person you're calling answers, you hear everything that he/she says, just like a traditional phone call. You also see and read everything that he/she says. Captions appear nearly simultaneously with spoken words.

Benefits of CapTel

• Calls are made in a natural manner. Simply dial the telephone number directly for the person you ware calling.
• Users enjoy natural telephone conversations, and can check upon captions for added clarity.
• Everyone can use the CapTel unit -- simply turn off the captions feature to use it as a traditional telephone.
• Captions appear nearly simultaneously with the spoken words.
• The CapTel unit also includes an amplified handset and tone control for clarity.

Instructions

Here's how to make a call with CapTel Relay Service:

• When dialing out, simply dial the number of the person you want to call.
• Your CapTel phone will automatically connect to both the captioning service and the other party you wish to reach.
• The relay operator transcribes everything the other party says to you into written text (captions) using the very latest in voice-recognition technology.

Here's how to receive a call from the other party via CapTel Relay Service:

ONE-LINE SERVICE

• The other party calling you should first dial 877-243-2823 (toll free).
• Once connected, the other party will receive a prompt to enter your phone number.
• Whether it's an incoming or outgoing call, everything the other party says to you is transcribed into captions that display in a bright, easy-to-read window on your CapTel unit.

TWO-LINE SERVICE

• The other party should dial your phone number directly (via first telephone line).
• Once connected, you should press the "caption" button on the CapTel unit to connect the captioning service (via second telephone line).
• Whether it's an incoming or outgoing call, everything the other party says to you is transcribed into captions that display in a bright, easy-to-read window on your CapTel unit.

To reach a CapTel user:

• Dial 877-243-2823 (Espanol - 866-217-3362 between 5:00 am to 9:00 pm Pacific Time everyday).
• Listen for the short message.
• Enter the area code and phone number of the CapTel user and then press pound (#).
• Speak when the call is answered.

CapTel users are responsible for their own long-distance charges. However, there is no charge for using the CapTel service itself. In Washington State, qualified persons may be eligible to obtain a CapTel unit at no cost.

To apply for a CapTel unit in Washington State
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/hrsa/odhh/ted.shtml

To learn more about CapTel Service
http://www.captionedtelephone.com/availability/WA.php