Receiving your first OTRS call:
 

Even if you’ve never experienced an OTRS call, you may receive one in the future on a personal or business matter. So, if you pick up the phone and hear, "This is Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service," please do not assume you are getting a telemarketing or some other unsolicited call and hang up. You don’t have to keep this brochure handy, either—the CA will guide you through all steps to complete your first OTRS conversation. Just stay on the line and stay in touch!

 

Standard telephone users can easily initiate calls to TTY users. The Communication Assistant types the hearing person’s spoken words to the TTY user and reads back the typed replies.

 

How to make a Relay call:

1. Dial the voice number, 711 or 1.800.735.1232.
2. You will hear, "Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service (CA number). How may I help you?"

3. Give the CA the area code and telephone number you wish to call, and any further instructions.

4. The CA will process your call, relaying exactly what the TTY user is typing. The CA will relay what you say back to the TTY user. Be sure to talk directly to your caller. Avoid saying "tell him" or "tell her," and say "GA" (Go Ahead) at the end of your response.

 
How to receive a Relay Call:

1. When you answer the phone, you will hear the Communication Assistant (CA) say, "This is Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service (CA number) with a Relay call. Have you received a relay call before?"

2. The CA will read to you everything typed by the TTY user and will type everything you say back to the person calling you.

3. Please speak directly to the person calling you. For example, instead of saying, "Ask her for her address," you may simply say, "What is your address?" The CA is not involved in the call.
4. Please speak at a moderate speed; the CA is required to type everything they hear.
5. Please say "GA" when you are finished speaking and ready for the TTY user to respond.
6. When the conversation is completed, you may simply say "Good bye" to the caller, or "SK" ("Signing off") to indicate that you are ready to hang up.