Step-By-Step Instructions

TTY to Voice

Dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-877-9965

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled can use a TTY to type his/her conversation to the Wyoming Relay operator, who then reads the typed conversation to a hearing person. The Wyoming Relay operator relays the hearing person's spoken words by typing them back to the TTY user. Step-by-Step Instructions

• Dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-877-9965 (the dedicated TTY phone number).

• A Wyoming Relay operator will answer with "####" (each operator has a unique identification number), "F" or "M" (for the relay operator’s gender) and "NUMBER CALLING PLS GA." ("PLS GA" denotes "please go ahead. ") "GA" is a term used in relay calls for turn-taking purposes. "GA" ensures that the TTY user and the hearing person do not respond at the same time. When you see "GA", you know it is your turn to talk. The same is true for the relay operator (before and after the call) and the hearing user, who will not reply until you type "GA."

• Type in the area code and telephone number you wish to call and then type "GA." • The relay operator will dial the number and relay the conversation to and from your TTY. Remember to type "GA" at the end of each message.

• When you are ready to end the call, type "GASK" and the relay operator will close your call. "SK" means "stop keying; the conversation is over."

Tips for TTY Users

• When you call the relay, wait until you see "GA" before beginning to type. Prior to that point, the relay operator will not have access to what you type.

• Give the relay operator as much information as possible at the beginning of the call, including the area code and number to dial and any special instructions.

• You can request that the CA not identify or not explain the relay to the hearing user, or you can replace the standard greeting with your own customized greeting, such as, "This is (your name) and I’m calling through relay. " A custom greeting may reduce hang-ups by the hearing person who may mistakenly believe the call is from a telemarketer or is a scam call.

• You may request a male or female relay operator.

• When typing a word or name that you would like the relay operator to spell out, use spaces between each letter. The relay operator will then voice each letter individually. (Example: "Cheyenne…C h e y e n n e ")

• Please wait until you see "PERSON HUNG UP GA" before you give the relay operator the next number to dial. Make sure to include the area code, especially if it is different from the area code for the previous call.

• If you have any questions, comments or concerns about your call, the relay operator will refer you (and at your request, transfer you) to Customer Service. In doing so, the relay operator is remaining in her/his required role. Customer Service is more than happy to discuss any questions, comments, or concerns you may have. Garbling

Garbling on a TTY can be triggered by a number of factors, including:

• Call waiting, if it is a feature on the phone line connected to the TTY

• Loud noises in the background

• Construction on the phone lines

• Low power on the TTY

• Weather

• Cracked phone couplers

• Static on the telephone line

• Improper TTY settings

• TTY shifting between letters and numbers

• Poor connection for a variety of reasons, such as if the standard user is on a cell phone and has a weak signal.

• Auto ID feature on some TTY’s , which send voice messages stating that "This is a TTY." This feature can garble the printed text and should be turned off prior to calling the relay.

If you experience garbling on your TTY, try these suggestions.

• Hit a letter key a few times to reset your TTY.

• Change your TTY setting to Baudot.

• Check for possible noises (music, dog barking, fan, air conditioner, TV, etc.) and eliminate them if possible.

• Check to ensure the telephone handset fits snugly in the TTY coupler.

• As a last resort, hang up and redial. How Does TTY to Voice Work?

a.i.1. TTY User types her conversation to relay operator. a.i.2. Relay operator then voices TTY User's typed message to Voice User. a.i.3. After TTY User types "GA", it is Voice User's turn to respond. a.i.4. Relay operator relays Voice User's spoken words by typing them back to TTY User.