[Athen] TTY numbers -- still a thing?

[Shannon Aylesworth]

An advantage to keeping the TTY is that they utilize phone lines
(landlines) and do not require an internet connection or a cell phone
signal.  In an emergency situation, the TTY may be the only way a person
who is deaf or hard of hearing can communicate because cell phones might
not be working or there might not be electricity or internet access.  So,
if you have a TTY, it can be very helpful to keep it.



The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) offers a useful commentary here
http://nad.org/issues/emergency-preparedness/keep-your-tty



Shannon Aylesworth

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee



*From:* athen-list [mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman13.u.washington.edu] *On
Behalf Of *Teresa Haven
*Sent:* Thursday, April 28, 2016 9:32 AM
*To:* Access Technology Higher Education Network <
athen-list at u.washington.edu>
*Subject:* Re: [Athen] TTY numbers -- still a thing?



Hi, Kathy.  We still maintain TTY/TDD lines and devices, even though we are
moving to an otherwise VOIP communications network. Just as you say, it’s
important to provide communications options for consumers who may still be
using older technology, and since a significant percentage of our consumer
base is rural, many don’t have the option of high-speed internet that’s
required for Video Relay.  TTY/TDD numbers are advertised by departments
that still maintain them as part of their general contact information
(along with physical and email addresses, and voice and fax line numbers).
We don’t get very many calls on those lines these days, but we still feel
it’s important to offer the option.



Hope this helps,

Teresa



Teresa Haven, Ph.D.

Accessibility Analyst, Northern Arizona University







*From:* athen-list [mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman13.u.washington.edu
<athen-list-bounces at mailman13.u.washington.edu>] *On Behalf Of *Kathleen
Cahill
*Sent:* Thursday, April 28, 2016 7:18 AM
*To:* Access Network <athen-list at u.washington.edu>
*Subject:* [Athen] TTY numbers -- still a thing?



Hi Colleagues,



We recently had a discussion with our Telecommunications staff who were
trying to track down the former sites of all TTY devices that were on
campus.  A lot of them have been disconnected and or gotten rid of since
they are an older technology.  However, I would like to ask how your
university is handling this issue.  Do you have any TTYs on campus?  Are
they advertised on the university contact page?  I know that Video Relay is
much more in use as well as email by deaf/HOH users but I would like to
know if there are any good reasons to retain TTYs, perhaps for consumers
who have older technologies they still use for communication.



Thanks

Kathy



Kathleen Cahill

MIT Assistive Technology Information Center (ATIC)

77 Mass. Ave. 7-143

Cambridge MA 02139

(617) 253-5111

kcahill at mit.edu
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