The first four features listed below are also available for VCO users to call TTY, HCO (Hearing Carry Over), and other VCO users. If you are interested in learning how to use these features, please contact OTRS Customer Service at 1.800.676.3777 TTY/Voice.
 
VCO to TTY
 
The Communication Assistant (CA) types what the VCO user says to the TTY user. Whatever the TTY user types goes directly to the VCO user’s TTY or text display equipment to be read.
 
VCO to VCO
 
The Communication Assistant (CA) serves as both parties’ "ears," typing what is said on both ends of the call.
 
VCO to HCO
 
The VCO user speaks directly to the HCO user. The HCO user’s typed responses are sent directly to the VCO user.
 
VCO with Privacy
 
This feature is similar to the standard VCO feature. However, the Communication Assistant (CA) will not hear the VCO user’s voice and only types the standard telephone user’s responses back to the deaf or hard of hearing user. You may request privacy by typing or voicing to the Communication Assistant (CA): "Privacy ON."
 
Spanish Relay
1.800.735.3896
 
TTY users can type in Spanish and their conversations will be relayed in Spanish to the parties they are calling. TTY users can also request Spanish-to-English or English-to-Spanish translations via Relay. To make a Spanish Relay call, dial OTRS and instruct the CA as to how you want your call to be translated.
 
For more information on Spanish Relay, contact OTRS Customer Service for a brochure written in Spanish. Para solicitor este folleto en Español por favor llame a 1.800.676.4290.
 
Telebraille/Reduced Speed Typists
 
Relay users with impaired vision often use special TTYs equipped with telebraille or large visual displays, and prefer slower typing speeds in order to read their messages. During these relay calls, the Communication Assistant (CA) will type at a normal speed, but the message will come across at a rate of 15 words per minute, allowing users to achieve a more readable rhythm. Users can also request increased or decreased rates of text in increments of 5 words-per-minute.
 
International Calls
 
OTRS allows you to receive calls from anywhere in the world using English or Spanish. Callers from a country outside the US may also access OTRS by calling 1.605.224.1837.
 
You can also dial 711 in order to place international calls from the United States. Billing will begin upon connection to a phone number outside of the United States.
 
Customer Database Profile
1.800.676.3777
 
A Customer Database Profile stores an individual relay user’s call preferences, expediting call processing and ensuring that the customer’s preferred long distance carrier is used each time a call is made. You can set up your Customer Database Profile by contacting OTRS Customer Service at 1.800.676.3777. Representatives will take your request and can set up your profile while you are on the phone, or send you a form to complete. They are also available to answer any questions you may have.
 
900 Services
1.900.568.3323
 
Relay users dial a separate, toll-free 900 number to connect with OTRS. The Communication Assistant (CA) will then dial the requested outbound 900 service number. The caller is responsible for direct billing. Billing will begin upon connection to the 900 number. Rates vary depending upon the 900 service called.
 
Emergency 911
 
In case of an emergency, relay users should call the TTY-equipped 911 Center or emergency services center in their community. OTRS can process emergency calls, but they may take longer to get through. Callers are strongly urged to dial 911 direct. The Federal Communications Commission requires that all 911 centers have TTY access.
 
ASCII Splitscreen
1.800.735.0644
 
The ASCII Splitscreen is designed to allow High Speed ASCII computer users and CAs to type and communicate more clearly and quickly. It also allows the user to see both parties’ responses on his or her screen at the same time. ASCII Split Screen users call OTRS from their personal computer using modem software that supports a split window display.
 
One window displays the ASCII user’s text and the other window displays the Communication Assistants’ (CAs) text. As either party types, his or her text will appear in the associated window, even if both callers type at the same time.
 
Equipment needed:

• Personal computer and high-speed modem
• Modem software that supports split-screen display
• A transmission speed of 1200 baud or above using modem settings of Full Duplex, Non-Host, or Local-Echo-On mode. Users are responsible for setting up their own ASCII equipment and software. For specific instructions on modem settings, please contact the product’s manufacturer.

 
Answering Machine/Voicemail Retrieval
 
TTY and VCO users can request OTRS to retrieve messages from their voice answering machines or voicemail. To request answering machine retrieval, type "AMR" with instructions or your password and then "GA." The Relay Operator will type, "PLS PLACE YOUR HANDSET NEXT TO YOUR ANS MACHINE AND TURN ON GA." Place your handset on the speaker part of the answering machine until all messages have been retrieved. Then place the handset back on the TTY and type "GA." The Relay Operator will type your messages.
 
To request voicemail retrieval, type the phone number you wish to call with your password or special instructions and then "GA."
 
TTY Public Payphones
 
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an order outlining an interim plan for access to public payphone service through relay services. The order states:

• All local calls from TTY payphones are free of charge.
• Toll calls can be billed through calling cards and prepaid cards.
• TTY users who wish to use a coin TTY payphone can use OTRS to assist in connecting calls. There are several ways to bill non-local calls:
  
  
  • Collect
  • Third party
  • Calling card
  • Prepaid card