Minicom/Text Phone

A way of communicating through the phone using text. A phone is linked to a keyboard and enables a person to type a message which appears on a small screen at the other end of the line.

When communicating using a text phone the other person with whom you are communicating also needs a text phone.

Who May Benefit?

People with a hearing impairment.

How to Use the Equipment

• Turn on the phone using the TTY On/Off key and type a greeting.
• Continue typed conversation.
• Wait for signal light to go red and then hold down Shift key and press TTY On/Off key to hang up.

• Turn on the textphone using the TTY On/Off key then press the Dial key (the off hook and signal lights will come on).
• Type the telephone number (phone dials as you type).
• Watch the signal light and display for ring signal. When you see an answer on the display, type a greeting.
• Wait for the signal light to go red and then hold down Shift key and press TTY On/Off key to hang up.

• GA means Go Ahead and indicates that it is the other person's turn to talk .
• SK means Stop Keying and is used at the end of the call to indicate it is time to hang up.

Minicoms can be found in all locations.

Contact

Facilities Manager on 01905 766301 if you have any problems.

Cost

When using a minicom the cost is as per normal phone call.

Calls can also be made to a text phone from a normal voice phone via the relay service Typetalk. Dial 18002 followed by the number of the person you are calling. You will be connected to an operator who will explain the service and relay your call to the hearing impaired person.

This Information can be made available in other languages (including British Sign Language) and alternative formats (large print, audio tape, computer disk and Braille) on request from Corporate Diversity Manager on 01905 766225 or email E&D@worcestershire.gov.uk.