CapTel

CapTel is a captioned phone. It looks like a normal desk phone, but has a large digital readout so you can read what the other party says. The captions are put there by a CapTel operator who is automatically patched into the phone call on outgoing calls and (if you've got two phone lines) can be automatically patched into the call on incoming calls, too.

It works something like a Relay call using a VCO phone, but with CapTel, the connection to the CapTel Operator is made automatically by the phone; you don't call the operator yourself. Also, a CapTel phone allows you to hear the incoming audio (and see the captions) without the complexity of two-line VCO.

CapTel is new and not available in all states. Only states that have agreed to fund it (like they already fund Relay) are participating in the CapTel system. But, CapTel phones and the service are available to Federal Government employees, retirees and veterans and to US Tribal Members. Many states (and these other sources) offer the CapTel phones for free or at a reduced cost to people who qualify. Check out the Ultratec web site to learn more about CapTel.

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