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The Regional Centers in your area can help you find the appropriate technology to meet your needs. The following is a list of technology that Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind and Speech-Impaired individuals use to assist with communication.
Video Relay Service (VRS)
This form of telephone relay service allows persons whose primary language is American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with non-signers via sign language interpreters using video conferencing equipment.
ASL users may make calls using video relay services from a Regional Center. Also, with the right equipment such as a computer and a webcam, individuals can use VRS to communicate with others while at home or at the office. Several companies provide VRS.
Providers
Telephone Relay Service (TRS)
TRS is an operator service that allows people who are Deaf, Hard ofHearing, Deaf-Blind or Speech-Impaired to place calls to standard telephone users via a keyboard or assistive device.
For more information see 
Internet Relay (also known as IP Relay)
Internet relay service is a form of telephone relay that replaces the TTY (a common telecommunications device for the Deaf) and telephone line with a specialized computer program and internet connection. IP Relay services are provided through many different types of devices such as a personal computer, laptop, mobile phone, PDA, or other devices capable of utilizing the connection methods provided by an IP Relay provider.
Providers
Instant Messaging (also known as IM)
Instant Messaging is a form of real-time communication between two or more people based on typed text. The text is conveyed via computers or wireless device connected over a network such as the Internet.
Ex: AIM  , MSN Messenger  , Yahoo! Messenger  , Google Talk 
Wireless Devices (also known as pagers)
Wireless devices can communicate with other devices without being physically attached to them. Deaf users can call any voice caller through Wireless Internet Relay.
For more information about wireless pagers, contact a provider in your area.
Regional and National Providers
Captioned Telephone (also known as CapTel)
It is a telephone that displays real-time captions of the telephone conversation between a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person and a hearing person. The captions are typically displayed on a screen embedded into the telephone base. A captioned telephone may also be called a CapTel, which is the main brand name for a captioned telephone.
Find out more at 
Internet Captioned Telephone Service
This service functions very much like captioned telephone, but it lets you enjoy telephone conversations with the convenience of online captions. You make/receive phone calls using any phone you want, while viewing captions of the call in the Internet browser window on your computer. It is just like a traditional CapTel phone call, only you use your own phone (any phone!) and watch the captions on a computer monitor instead of the CapTel display screen.
Providers
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
An assistive listening device (ALD) is any type of device that can help you function better in your day-to-day communication situations. An ALD can be used with or without hearing aids to overcome the negative effects of distance, background noise, or poor room acoustics. So even though you have a hearing aid, ALDs can offer greater ease of hearing (and therefore reduced stress and fatigue) in many day-to-day communication situations.
Types of ALDs
Personal frequency modulation (FM) systems are like miniature radio stations operating on special frequencies assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. The personal FM system consists of a transmitter microphone used by the speaker and a receiver used by you, the listener.
Infrared systems are often used in the home with TV sets, but, like the FM system, they can also be used in large settings like theaters. Sound is transmitted using infrared light waves. The TV is set at a volume comfortable for family members. The infrared system transmitter transmits the TV signal to your receiver, which you can adjust to your desired volume. Thus, TV watching as a family becomes pleasurable for all. While it is not too loud for family members with normal hearing, the volume is just right for you because it is adjusted by you through your individual receiver.
Alerting Devices
Signal you when a sound occurs by using visual or tactile notifications.
Signalers can respond to:
- doorbells
- knocks-at-the-door
- phones ringing
- fire alarm/smoke alarm devices
- baby-crying devices
- room-to-room sound alerting systems
- vibrating clock alarms, watches, and paging systems
Many use strobe lights, conventional lights, or vibrating systems to alert you.
Amplified Phones
Increase the volume and clarity of standard telephone handsets.
Speech Assistive Devices
A device (speech generating or non-speech generating) that helps an individual with a speech impairment to communicate with others.
Examples
- Artificial larynx kit with a amplified phone
- Fluency System for Stutters
For more information contact a Regional Center near you.
Computer-assisted notetaking (CAN)
Computer-assisted notetaking is a technique that enables Deaf and Hard of Hearing people to participate fully in meetings and lectures with hearing people. A notetaker uses a computer equipped with word processing software to type summary notes of a meeting or lecture. The notes can be projected onto a screen or wall for large groups, or simply displayed on a computer monitor if fewer people are relying on the notes.
CAN is an effective way of providing access for Hard of Hearing people and for Deaf people who are without sign language interpreters. In a previous study, 98% of the 120 hard of hearing people using CAN during a meeting found the notes helpful. (Two percent did not answer that question.)
Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART)
Communication Access Realtime Translation is the instant translation of the spoken word into English text using a stenotype machine, notebook computer and realtime software. The text appears on a computer monitor or other display. This technology is primarily used by people who are Late-Deafened, Oral Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or have cochlear implants. Culturally Deaf individuals also make use of CART in certain situations. Please keep in mind that CART is also often referred to as realtime captioning.
The Americans with Disabilities Act specifically recognized CART as an assistive technology which affords "effective communication access." Thus communication access more aptly describes a CART provider's role and distinguishes CART from realtime reporting in a traditional litigation setting.
For more information on CAN or CART services contact a Regional Center near you.
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