More Details
The NRS can be accessed by anyone who uses a TTY (also known as a teletypewriter or a textphone); a telebrailler; a computer and modem; or an ordinary telephone. Calls go via a Relay Officer who 'relays' the message (usually text to voice or vice versa). In this way, both the person with the hearing or speech impairment, and the person they are phoning, can communicate with each other.
CALL OPTIONS
SPEAK AND READ
If you prefer to speak, but like to read the responses on your TTY, then speak and read is your best option.
. for those with difficulty hearing but who still use their own voice.
. also known as "voice carry over".
How it works The relay officer types everything the other person says to you for you to read, but you continue to talk knowing the other person can hear you directly.
Equipment needed TTY (also known as teletypewriter or textphone)
Note: you cannot use a computer with modem for this type of call.
TYPE AND READ
If you are deaf or can't hear well and have difficulty speaking or communicating, this is the most useful relay option for you
- most commonly used relay option
- also known as "text to voice".
How it works: The relay officer becomes "your voice" and reads aloud to the other person what you type, then listens to what the other person says and types it back for you to read.
Equipment needed: TTY (also known as teletypewriter or textphone) or computer and modem
TYPE AND LISTEN
- also known as "hearing carry over".
If you have difficulty speaking or communicating but can hear adequately, this call type could be useful for you.
How it works: You type your side of the conversation into your TTY and the relay officer reads it aloud to the person you are calling. You can then listen to the other person's reply directly on your phone. Equipment needed TTY (also known as teletypewriter or textphone )
SPEAK AND LISTEN
- also known as "speech-to-speech relay
If people sometimes have trouble understanding your speech over the phone, you can use this call option.
How it works: The relay officer, who is experienced in listening to people with speech impairments, will re-speak all or part of what you say to another person. Equipment needed is an ordinary phone or mobile
You may need other equipment depending on your requirements (eg. a handsfree or a switch phone, or voice device software
INTERNET RELAY CALLS
Internet relay calls are like Type and Read calls but instead of a TTY you use a computer. They are suitable for people who are deaf or can't hear well and have difficulty speaking.
The relay officer becomes 'your voice' and reads aloud to the person you are calling what you type on your computer, then listens to what the other person says and types it back for you to read. Equipment needed is a computer (either PC or Mac) with an internet connection.
EMERGENCY CALLS
The National Relay Service provides two ways to contact emergency services - one by text and the other by ordinary phone.
If you find yourself in an emergency which is either life threatening or where time is critical, you can use one of these services.
1) 106 text emergency service
This provides direct access to fire, police and ambulance and is available 24 hours a day, everyday. If you rely on a TTY or a computer with modem to make calls, you can dial 106 in an emergency.
2) Speak and Listen callers
There is a separate emergency call procedure for Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) callers who use an ordinary phone or mobile rather than a TTY.
How it works:
Dial 1800 555 727 and then ask for 000 or dial 000 directly. These are toll free numbers.
You will be asked if you want police, fire or ambulance.
The relay officer will dial the correct service and stay on line to help you communicate with the emergency service.
DISABILITY EQUIPMENT
To apply for equipment under the Telstra Disability Equipment Program, contact Telstra Disability Enquiry Hotline (see Supplier details). An assessment will be made and if the person qualifies the equipment (eg TTY, modem, telebrailler) will be provided at the cost of the standard telephone rental rate.
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