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Telebraille

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled uses a TTY to type his/her conversation to the relay operator who then reads the typed conversation to a hearing person. The relay operator relays the hearing person's spoken words by typing them back to the TTY user.

Dial 711 or 1-877-826-9348

Deafblind relay users often use special TTYs equipped with TeleBraille. Specially trained relay operators are familiar with deafblind users and trained to provide effective solutions to their calling needs.

Customer Profile
Dial 711 Blind user typing on a telebraille key

How Does Telebraille Work?

Telebraille allows people who are deaf and blind to communicate over the phone. It connects a braille keyboard and display to a TTY (text telephone), converting typed messages into braille and braille input into text, enabling real-time, two-way communication.

1

Deafblind user types his conversation to relay operator.

2

Relay operator then voices the typed message to voice user. 

3

Relay operator types the voice user's conversation to deafblind user. 

4
Deafblind user "reads" the conversation through a TeleBraille device.

Relay Texas Customer Profile

The Relay Texas Customer Profile form allows consumers to list their preferences for calls, such as:

  • Frequently dialed numbers
  • Emergency numbers
  • Preferred gender of operator
  • Announcing relay service

As a consumer, you have flexibility in updating your preferences at any time.

Learn more
Laptop with the customer profile

FAQs

We want to simplify your life. In the following you see answers to some questions that might arise.

 

What is Telebraille? TeleBraille is a relay service designed for people who are DeafBlind or have significant vision and hearing loss. It uses a TTY connected to a refreshable braille display, allowing users to read the relay operator’s messages in braille while typing their side of the conversation.
How to Get Started?

To get started:

  1. Make sure you have a TeleBraille device (TTY + braille display) or compatible adaptive equipment.

  2. Connect your equipment to a phone line.

  3. Dial 7-1-1 or 1-877-826-9348 to reach Relay Texas.

  4. Tell the relay operator you would like to place a TeleBraille call.
Do I need to register? Registration is not required to place TeleBraille calls.
However, completing a Customer Profile helps relay operators better understand your equipment, connection speed, and preferences.
What about emergencies?

711 is not a replacement for 911. 911 Operators are trained to handle your request accordingly. In case of emergencies, call 911. 

Equipment Distribution

Texas residents may be eligible to receive financial assistance for the purchase of a specialized assistive equipment or services through the Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP).
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