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Relay services allows for easier communication access for deaf and hard of hearing individuals who use relay technology with conduct daily conversations with business offices, friends and family. The relay service is available in both English and Spanish language and is free but long distance charges may apply. To learn more about Virginia relay service go to VArelay.org.

Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing benefit from using a telephone Relay Service by being able to type to a TTY or a use ASL sign using a video phone (VP) to convey their message/conversation to a Relay Communications Assistant (CA) operator. The (CA) operator then relays the information by spoken words to the business or individual on any telephone. Special equipment is not needed to use this route of technology to converse with a deaf or hard of hearing person.

If you receive a call that starts like this:
“Hello This is relay operator 3600 have you received a relay call before?”

DONT HANG UP! This is the time to ask questions on the process of how a relay call works. The operator will explain how to you how to proceed and respond.Then the CA will then proceed with the call by speaking everything that the deaf or hard of hearing caller is communicating.

Tips for successful communication exchange on the phone with a deaf or heard of hearing individual:
⁃ Speak slowly
⁃ Speak directly to the caller (not to the Communications Assistant)
⁃ Be patient.
The call might take longer with pauses due to the typing their side of the conversation.
⁃ Confirm the callers phone number. (Caller ID might display a different number)
⁃ To call the caller back, dial 711 and give the caller phone number to the Communications Assistant (CA) they will connect you.