Ohio Relay Service

 

Ohio Relay is a free service that provides full telephone accessibility to people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, and speech-disabled. Specially trained Communication Assistants (CA’s) process relay calls and stay on the line to relay conversations electronically, over a Text Telephone (TTY) or, in some cases, verbally to hearing parties.

 

ORS is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no restrictions on the number of calls placed or on their length. This valuable communications tool gives all individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard-of-hearing or speech-disabled the opportunity to make personal and business calls just like any other telephone user. Both TTY and voice users may initiate calls through ORS.

 

All calls are strictly confidential and no records of any conversations are maintained.

 

Ohio Relay service, provided by CT Comm and operated statewide by Sprint, is used to assist communications between people who use text telephones (TTY’s) and people who use voice telephones. Specially trained operators facilitate communications between the two callers. Each call is handled in strict confidence.

 

How to Place an ORS Call

  • Dial 711
  • Please have the telephone number that you wish to call ready in advance.
  • If you would like to use a Communications Assistant (CA) of the same gender, make that request when the CA answers your call.
  • Then give the phone number you are calling to the CA.
  • Voice users should speak clearly and at a moderate speed.
  • Direct your conversation to the party you are calling as if the CA were not present.

 

Please note: The CA is required to relay everything that you type or speak and will also relay all background noises. For example, a dog barking or people speaking in the background will be relayed.