Telecommunications Relay Services and Other Communication Resources

Telecommunications Relay Services

Relay North Carolina (Relay NC) is a free and confidential phone service that helps people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind or have a speech disability to make and receive phone calls more easily.

You can choose which relay service to use:

  • Text telephone/teletypewriter (TTY) –The relay operator reads aloud your typed message to the other party and then types the other party’s voiced message including background sounds, if any, to you. 
  • Voice Carry-Over (VCO) – A service for user that prefer to talk and read captions during phone call. When the other party speaks to you, the relay serves as your “ears” and types all the words that are spoken, and background sounds, if any, on your VCO phone or TTY. Then you speak directly to the other party.
  • Speech-to-Speech (STS) – A service designed for people who have a speech disability or those who use an assistive voice device. With STS, you can call anyone. A relay operator ensures that you will be heard and understood. No special equipment is required.
  • Hearing Carry-Over (HCO) – A service for users that listen and type on phone. You type on your text telephone (TTY) or HCO phone and the relay operator reads your words aloud to the other party.

Other types of relay services:

  • Internet-Protocol Relay (IP Relay) – Similar to TTY Relay, IP Relay allow you to use your smartphone, tablet or laptop to make and receive phone calls anywhere you have internet service.
  • Relay Conference Captioning (RCC) allows you to participate in conference calls, video meetings and webinars. You can read live captions through a web browser on your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, and you can speak or type during the meeting. RCC is available for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind or those with speech disabilities.

There are two types of captioning services for online meetings or webinars that you can use, depending on the types of meetings you are in:

  1. Human-assisted (i.e., medical appointments, banking, legal, etc.)
  2. Automated Speech Recognition (ASR) captioning – a new feature that uses automated speech recognition technology to provide real-time captions for virtual meetings, webinars, trainings, and online events. ASR captioning automatically turns spoken words into text during online meetings and events. It gives you quick, real-time captions without needing a live captioner. 

Need Professional Captioning?

For meetings that require the highest level of accuracy, involve complex discussions, or support interactive communication, Relay North Carolina also offers Human Relay Conference Captioning (RCC) provided by professional captioners.

Interested in using RCC or ASR captioning? You can reserve captioning services online.

Contact: 
Kim Calabretta, Relay North Carolina Associate Accessibility Relationship Manager
(919) 238-4136
Kim.Calabretta@t-mobile.com

Other Communication Resources

There are many helpful communication tools for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, or who have a speech disability. The Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) can help you find the tools and services you need. Please contact the nearest DSDHH regional center for assistance.

Available Resources and Services for North Carolina

Available Resources and Services for North Carolina and Nationally

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