Telecommunication Devices

Telecommunication devices are two-way devices that allow deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to communicate with others for real-time dialogue. Originally used to supplement or provide an alternative to the traditional phone, telecommunications devices now include mobile phones, videophone, and other hardware. Read more about each kind below.

Amplified Telephones

Captioned Telephones

A captioned telephone has a built-in screen to display captions of everything the other person on the call says. It is most commonly used by deaf and hard of hearing individuals who want to use their own voice to communicate. A captioning service types the captions to ensure the quality of the captioning. Some companies that offer captioned telephone services include:

Video Communication

Video Phones

Videophones are devices using video as the foundation of communication. Videophones have assigned phone numbers, allowing deaf and hard of hearing individuals to call each other. A video phone is also a method of accessing Video Relay Service (VRS).

Video Relay Services (VRS)

Video Relay Service (VRS) is a relay service that provides interpreters to facilitate communication between individuals. VRS is available on videophone, on the web browser or as an app. The interpreter translates spoken content to sign language and the deaf individual can watch the interpreter sign. The deaf individual can sign their response and the interpreter will speak the response. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides information on Video Relay Service (VRS) including how VRS works and how to file a complaint. Listed below are a few of the current VRS providers: