VCO/Caption Phone
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AzTEDP
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Relay Services
Voice Carry Over (VCO) and Captioned Telephone (CapTel®) services are available for people who can communicate clearly by talking, but have difficulty hearing on the phone. These services allow you to enjoy the freedom of using your own voice while viewing captions of what’s being said to you in your phone conversations. With VCO, there are two choices for service. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.
Click here for more information to see if you qualify for a captioned telephone (CapTel) at no cost.
If you can communicate clearly by talking, but have difficulty hearing on the phone, Voice Carry Over (VCO) from AZRS is perfect for you.
With VCO, you talk directly to the people you call—and have their responses typed back to you. It’s like having your telephone conversations captioned. No more worry about struggling to hear the person on the other end of the line. You enjoy the freedom of using your own voice—while borrowing our ears.
VCO is especially helpful for people who can speak clearly, but may have a hard time hearing over the phone.
When making a Voice Carry-Over (VCO) call, dial 1-800-842-9818
An AZRS communication assistant (CA) will answer like this:
AZRS CA 4999 (F) NBR CALLING PLS GA
Using your voice through a standard handset, you answer with the number you want to call, also giving them the extension if necessary:
Pls call 602-555-1234 Go-Ahead
Pls call 602-555-1234 x345 Go-Ahead
The communication assistant will then dial the number, informing you of the call process as they connect your call:
DIALING 602-444-1234 RINGING 1... RINGING 2... RINGING 3...
When the call is answered, the communication assistant will begin relaying your call.
The communication assistant will explain AZRS and VCO to the other person if they are unfamiliar with both.
HELLO (F) (EXPLAINING RELAY) HELLO THIS IS CHRISTI GA
Your call is now connected. The CA will then relay the call between yourself and your party; typing the standard phone user's spoken words to the VCO user and allowing the VCO user to reply for themselves, using their own voice, back to the standard phone user.
Remember to end each exchange with
"Go Ahead."
This is a turn-taking cue that informs both the communication assistant and your party when to respond.
When you are ready to end your conversation, say "SK" (Stop Keying).
This enhanced relay feature allows you to have an interactive conversation without the use of "GA" (Go Ahead) and "SK" (Stop Keying) instructions.
Unlike typical relay calls, the Communication Assistant (CA) does not identify the relay and is present only to type the voice of the called party.
How to make a 2-Line VCO Call
Using your TTY, dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-842-9818.
When the CA answers the call, inform the CA that this will be a 2-Line VCO call. You may do so by either speaking to the CA or typing "2LVCO PLS GA".
Instruct the CA to dial your voice telephone number.
The CA will dial your voice number and type back: "Dialing XXX-XXX-XXXX, Ring 1, 2…".
Answer your voice line with your voice. Ask if the CA can hear you.
The CA will type back a response on your PC or TTY.
Ask the CA to hold. Then place the CA on hold on your voice phone and create a conference call as per your telephone equipment requirements.
From your voice phone, dial the number of the person you want to call.
Connect the conference immediately on your voice phone. Note that terms such as "hold", "switch hook," "flash", "conference" and "link" may vary according to your telephone company’s features and procedures.
When the called party answers, the CA will start typing that person’s spoken words to you. The relay will not be identified or explained by the CA.
You will speak directly to the other party. There is no need for either of you to wait for a "Go Ahead" or "GA". The relay and the CA will be "invisible."
Tips for Making a 2-Line VCO Call
When the Communications Assistant (CA) calls your second line, answer:
"Hello, CA. Can you understand my voice? Please type back to me if you can."
The CA should type "Yes" or "Yes, I can understand your voice."
On your voice line, repeat your intentions.
"CA, I am making a 2-Line VCO call. I am going to put you on hold and conference in another person. I want you to type their voice, not my voice. Do you understand?"
Once the CA has typed "Yes", tell the CA you are putting him/her on hold.
You are encouraged to work with your CA as a team player. CA’s are an important part of your call. The more clearly they understand your intentions, the better they can serve you.
If you've ever missed out on what was said during a telephone call — you no longer need to. Now you can see what they say. Word by word, phrase by phrase, see your telephone conversation on-screen as you talk. It's called Captioned Telephone service. Best of all, there is no additional charge to receive telephone captions.
Simple and easy, the captioned telephone works like any other telephone with one important addition: it displays every word the caller says throughout your conversation. Captioned Telephone users can listen to the caller while reading the written captions on the phone’s bright display window.
To see how Captioned Telephone can work for you, just click here and select information for the state of Arizona.
Arizona residents may qualify to receive a Captioned Telephone at no charge.
To apply for a CapTel phone at no cost, contact:
Arizona Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
100 N. 15th Avenue, Suite 104
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
(602) 542-3365 TTY/Voice
(866) 223-3412 TTY/Voice
Fax: (602) 542-3380
Email: info@acdhh.az.gov
Website: /home/aztedp