Text phones

Kotek Besar

Hi folks,

Does anyone use a text phone? I'm thinking of getting one.

It says here:

Textphones (sometimes known as Minicoms) may be used by a person with a hearing and/or speech impairment to communicate with someone who uses a telephone. Unlike other messaging systems, a textphone enables 'real time' communication.

A textphone can be used to communicate directly to other textphone users with compatible equipment using a standard telephone line. Once connected, the caller can type in the message that is transmitted to the receiver's display screen; messages can then be relayed back in the same manner. A textphone may also be used to connect with a voice phone using the National Relay Service from Eircom (see page 15.)

also..

The National Relay Service is a free service for text telephone users and is available 24 hours a day. It provides facilities for the receipt and translation of voice messages into text and the conveyance of that text to the textphone of customers of any operator, and vice versa. You avail of the service by dialling the following freephone telephone numbers.

* Minicom user dialling a hearing person: 1800 207 900
* Minicom user dialling minicom user: 1800 207 800
* Minicom user dialling emergency services: 1800 207 999

and..

STEP (SCHEME FOR TEXT TELEPHONE EQUALITY OF PAYMENT)

This is a scheme to give deaf people cost equality when using a text telephone. If you use a text telephone at home you can receive a rebate of up to 70% of the cost of phone calls on your bill. Details and application forms are available from the NAD and the IDS (see Useful Addresses).

bohsboy

Interesting.

Might help someone who has a severe fear of using a phone. But could also be a massive crutch for someone with avoidance issues.