Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) 

Text Telephones (TTY), also known as Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), are used by the deaf, hard–of–hearing, and individuals with speech impairments to communicate. There are more than 6 million deaf individuals in the United States, according to a Gallaudet University estimate.  The process is similar to chat on computers, where one person types text to the other on these devices. Both individuals in the conversation must have a TTY at each end of the telephone line in order to communicate.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended, requires that individuals with disabilities, who are seeking information or services from a federal agency, have access to—and use of—information and data that is comparable to that provided to members of the public who do not have disabilities. This requirement may be waived if an agency can demonstrate that the provision of such a service would impose an undue burden on the agency.  The use of TTYs enables the agency to comply with the law by extending its service offerings to people who are deaf, hard–of-hearing, or speech impaired.  It was noted during the survey that Tipton County Communications offers this service but the service is not tested on a regular basis.  It is suggested that provisions be made to test the service on an on-going basis.