A specialized technology developed by Ultratec®, the world’s largest TTY manufacturer, CapTel allows people who are hard of hearing to read a captioned version of their conversations on the text screen of their phones and listen to the voice of the person they are calling at the same time. Thanks to the very latest in voice-recognition technology, captions appear nearly simultaneously with the spoken word.
CapTel is ideal for late-deafened adults, people who are deaf and can speak clearly, Voice Carry-Over (VCO) and amplified phone users and people with cochlear implants. There is no fee to access the captioning service.
To use standard CapTel (see below for information about 2-Line CapTel), you’ll need an Ultratec CapTel phone, which features a bright, easy-to-read display window, an amplified handset, tone control for added clarity and an on/off captions switch (simply turn the captions switch to the “off” position and your CapTel phone functions as a standard phone).
CapTel phones can be purchased through Virginia Relay, and free phones are available to those who qualify. Call 1-800-552-7917 (voice/TTY) to learn more.
To use (standard) CapTel:
- Using your CapTel phone, dial the number you wish to call. (As you dial, your CapTel phone will automatically connect to a captioning service.)
- When the other person answers, you can listen—and respond—directly to him or her. Behind the scenes, a specially trained operator at the captioning service will use voice-recognition technology to produce a text version of everything the other person says.
- As you listen to the other person, this text version will appear on the display screen of your CapTel phone. You can voice your response at anytime (with CapTel, there’s no need to wait for cues from the operator).
- The conversation will continue in this manner until the call is finished.
Try 2-Line CapTel!
With 2-Line CapTel, callers can dial you directly (rather than dialing the captioning service first and then entering your number), and incoming calls are automatically captioned (captions can still be turned on or off at any time). As a 2-Line CapTel user, you can also access special features available through your telephone provider, such as call waiting, voice mail, *69 automatic dial-back and three-way calling.
To use 2-Line CapTel, you need:
- CapTel phone (Model 200)
- Two separate phone lines, each with its own number. The jacks for both lines need to be side-by-side or close together.
If you don’t have a second telephone line, contact your telephone service provider. While there is no usage charge for 2-Line CapTel, you are responsible for all costs associated with maintaining or installing a second phone line in your home.
For step-by-step instructions on using 2-Line CapTel, visit www.captionedtelephone.com/2line.phtml.
For more information on CapTel, visit www.captionedtelephone.com.
Web CapTel now available!
You can now use your web browser and any standard telephone, including cell phones, to place a relay call. For more information click here.
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