Adaptive Telephone Equipment
For those with hearing impairments, amplified telephone handsets can be purchased through Communications Services. For more information, send email to [email protected], or call (805) 893-8700.
A broader range of adaptive telephone equipment can be obtained from Verizon. For details, visit the Verizon website's
Solutions for Customers with Disabilities.
Adaptive equipment is also available through the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP), which distributes telecommunications equipment and services for individuals who have functional limitations of hearing, vision, mobility, speech and/or interpretation of information.
Assistive Telephone Services
Telecommunication Relay Service
The Telecommunication Relay Service (TRS) links persons using a standard voice telephone with persons using a text telephone (TDD or TTY). Specially trained California Relay Service operators complete all calls and stay on the line to relay messages between the two parties.
If you have a TDD or TTY and need to use the relay service, you can reach the California Relay Service toll-free by dialing 711 (from campus, dial 9-711 from a faculty or staff phone, or 8-711 from a residential phone); or you may call 1-800-735-2929. Non-TTY users may access the service at 1-800-735-2922.
Speech to Speech
Speech-to-Speech (STS) is a new kind of relay service that allows persons with severe speech disabilities to communicate on the telephone with the assistance of a trained communications assistant relaying the conversation. Unlike the standard relay service, Speech-to-Speech does not involve the use of a TTY/TDD device.
To reach a toll-free Speech-to-Speech operator, dial 711 (from campus, dial 9-711 from a faculty or staff phone, or 8-711 from a residential phone); or you may call 1-800-854-7784.
Additional information on TRS and STS is available online at the California Relay Service website.
Note: UCSB campus operators are not trained as qualified Relay Service agents, and cannot relay calls between voice telephone and TDD users.
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