Telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD/TTY) are available at the college switchboard, in the Laurel break area, and in the Disability Services Office in Azalea. Individuals who need to communicate with students who are deaf may use the TDD/TTY to type their communications directly to the student and to receive typed responses.
There are a few key commands you will need to facilitate your call. They are:
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GA - "Go Ahead": This indicates that you have finished your comments and that it is the other person's turn to talk (type).
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Q - Indicates that you are posing a question. "Q" is used at the end of your question in the same way that you would use "?" punctuation.
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SK to GA - SK (Stop Keying) means that you have completed the conversation and the GA means that you are available for any final comments they may have if they have not finished yet.
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SKSK - This means that you are hanging up.
Other helpful information regarding TDD/TTY use:
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If you mis-type or misspell a word and the meaning is apparent, do not bother to correct. It is unnecessary and delays the conversation.
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When using a TDD/TTY with a paper tape record of the conversation, destroy the tape immediately after your conversation. To not do so is akin to taping someone you are conversing with over the phone. It is considered an insult by most deaf individuals.
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Do not be afraid to use the TDD/TTY. It is user friendly and it is nearly impossible to do anything to harm the equipment.