Individuals with speech disabilities have the option of using Speech-to-Speech (STS) relay service or Hearing Carry Over (HCO).

What is Speech-To-Speech (STS)?

STS is a form of relay for people who have difficulty being understood on the phone. The FCC website provides this explanation of the service:

​STS is a form of Relay Services that provides Communications Assistants (CAs) for people with speech disabilities who have difficulty being understood on the phone. STS CAs are trained individuals familiar with many different speech patterns and language recognition skills. The CA makes the call and repeats the words exactly. Individuals using STS include those with cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, a laryngectomy, ALS, stuttering, muscular dystrophy, stroke, and other conditions affecting clarity of speech. Call the number in your state and ask the CA to dial the number you wish to call.

Click here for more information about STS

Click here for a list of STS numbers in each State

What is Hearing-Carry-Over Service (HCO)?

Like STS, HCO is a form of relay for people who are able to hear the other caller, but have difficulty being understood on the phone. The FCC provides this explanation of the service:

Hearing Carry Over allows a person with a speech disability, but who wants to use his/her own hearing, to listen to the called party and type his/her part of the conversation on a TTY. The CA reads these words to the called party, and the caller hears responses directly from the called party.

You can access HCO services using T-Mobile/Sprint IP Relay, who is currently the only provider in the market. This will enable you to use text-to-speech to communicate on your phone calls.

If you have any additional questions regarding the above information, you can reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]