FAQ on TTYs

• What is a TTY?
• Why is it called TTY? What's the difference between a TTY, TDD, and TT?
• What is the history of TDDs?

FAQ on the Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) of KY.

• Is there any assistance for getting a telephone line?
• What if I don't know which equipment to apply for?
• After I mail or drop off my application, what happens?
• What if the equipment needs repair?
• When can I apply again?
• What if I don't qualify for equipment?

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FAQ on TTYs

What is a TTY?

A TTY, or teletype, is an electronic device that allows two people to type conversations over the phone lines. TTYs are sometimes called TDDs - Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf. They resemble small typewriters with a keyboard and a visual display. Some TTYs have paper, while others do not allow for a printed copy of your conversation. TTYs do not amplify sound nor convert speech to text. To call a person using a standard telephone, a TTY user must use the Telephone Relay Service.

Why is it called TTY?
What's the difference between a TTY, TDD, and TT?

When communications for deaf people first started, old teletypewriters were used. The first Teletypewriters were very large, heavy, and noisy. They became known as TTs for short. Later, when smaller models came out, a new term was created. The new machines were called Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf or TDDs. However, since a person does not have to be deaf to use a TDD, this is not really an accurate description.

In Europe, the common name for all these devices is "Text Telephone" or "TT". This is more accurate because it simply means that printed words are being transmitted through telephone lines. However, several polls of consumers have indicated an overwhelming preference for the term TTY. Some reasons could be:

• Signing TTY is rhythmic to the eye, and it's easy for hearing people to say.
• "TTY" reminds users of the history of telecommunications and recognizes historic contributions by the teletypewriter coupler's deaf inventor.
• In sign language, "TT" is embarrassingly similar to the common sign for "toilet" and when spoken "TT" has similar connotations.

What is the history of TTYs?

When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, he started a revolution in the field of communication. This revolution, however, did not apply to persons with a hearing loss or speech impairment. Robert Weitbrecht, a deaf physicist, changed that in 1964 by modifying the teletype machine so that it could be used over the telephone line.

These modified machines were contributed by AT&T, but only a limited number were available. In 1968, about 25 TTYs were in use. AT&T donated more machines for modification and soon there were several thousands. Since that time, TTYs have been modified and improved so that they are smaller and more portable, and easier to use. Now, Gallaudet University estimates that there are more than 200,000 TTYs currently in use. TTYs use the Baudot code, which was developed in 1874. This code recognizes 32 characters, the 26 letters of the alphabet and 6 other characters. By modern standards, this is inadequate. To accommodate the rapid growth of computers, the ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) system was developed. An ASCII TTY can transmit information about 5 times faster than a Baudot TTY. Many TTYs now have ASCII capability. This allows a TTY user to communicate with a computer which has a modem.

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FAQ on the Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) of KY. >

Is there any assistance for getting a telephone line?

"Link-Up" is a program for individuals with low income. It is an assistance program, provided by the telephone companies, that helps make telephone service available to people who can't afford all the costs.

In Kentucky, a recipient of any of the following programs is eligible: Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Medicaid, Food Stamps or Supplemental Security Income. If you qualify for "Link-Up" assistance, you will receive a 50 percent reduction off the total service connection and installation charges up to the amount of $30. It is possible to finance the remaining connection charges over several months. You are responsible for any other charges that may be required to install your phone service. After your phone service is installed, you are responsible for paying your phone bill every month.

If you qualify for "Link-Up" assistance and want to establish telephone service, please contact your local telephone company.

What if I don't know which equipment to apply for?

You can apply for the specialized telecommunications equipment (STE) that will best enable you to use the telephone. You must choose your STE carefully as equipment CANNOT be exchanged once it is distributed. If you are unsure which piece of equipment will benefit you most, consult your certified professional to discuss all options.

There is a limit of one STE per individual per household telephone line. If there are two individuals who are eligible to apply, living in the same home that has two different telephone lines, then they may each apply for one STE. If there is only one telephone line in the home, only one individual may receive equipment.

After I mail or drop off my application, what happens?

The Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) of KY staff will review your application in the order it was received. The information on the application will be verified and a determination reached as to:

• Whether the application is complete
• If all required attachments are included
• If the eligibility requirements are met

(ALL INFORMATION IS CONSIDERED STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.)

If information is missing from your application, it will be returned to you with a letter explaining what is missing. This will cause a delay in the approval of your application.

You will be notified in writing within sixty (60) calendar days whether your application has been approved or denied, unless the application was returned to you as incomplete.

Approved applicants can expect to receive the STE directly from the selected vendor. The equipment will be delivered free of charge to the participant's home. Training can be provided upon request.

What if the equipment needs repair?

Equipment distributed by the Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) of KY has a five (5) year warranty from the company that provided your equipment.  If you are still a resident of Kentucky, repair and maintenance not caused by consumer misuse or abuse is covered by warranty. If the STE you have received from the program has been damaged, contact KCDHH and report the damage and you will be given instructions to obtain repairs.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR OR RETURN EQUIPMENT WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) of KY STAFF.

When can I apply again?

If you receive equipment from the Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) of KY, you are eligible to apply again if :

1. Equipment was stolen and you filed a police report within thirty (30) days of the theft and notified KCDHH within ten (10) days of filing the police report.
2. Equipment was destroyed in a natural disaster (verification required).
3. Equipment is more than four (4) years old and is obsolete or no longer functional.
4. Disability status has changed, such as vision or hearing deterioration (professional re-certification required).
5. Equipment is no longer appropriate for your disability and a new device is available through this program which is appropriate.

Since equipment is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, first time applicants are given priority over reapplicants when program funds are low.  If funds are available, replacement equipment may be issued to consumers who have previously received equipment through this program and reapply.

What if I don't qualify for equipment?

If you are not eligible for equipment through the program you can purchase equipment from one of the many vendors available nationwide.