Telephone Services for People with Hearing or Speech Disabilities
On this page:
Overview
Telephone/Telecommunications Relay Services
TTY Relay Service
Internet Relay Service
IS&T Telephony Services
Overview
Persons who are deaf, deaf-blind, or have a hearing or speech disability have several options for how to communicate with hearing people over regular telephone lines. MIT does not provide these services, but they are available from other sources through MIT telephones or via the MIT network.
Telephone/Telecommunications Relay Services
Telephone/Telecommunications Relay Services are available through many service carriers. With all, a Relay Operator will initiate and complete your call, dialing the party you wish to contact and then staying on the line to relay messages verbally to people who can hear or electronically via a TTY (Text Telephone) or computer. Relay services include the following (not an inclusive list).
- To contact via TTY: 1.800.439.2370
- To contact via voice: 1.800.439.0183
- To contact MIT via a TTY, dial 617.258.9344
If you are at MIT and need access to a TTY device, there are a few available on campus. The Campus Police, IS&T ATIC Lab, Medical Department, and Human Resources Disabilities Services offices all have TTY units. To find the one nearest you, contact telecomm-csr@mit.edu, call 617.253.3670, or dial the TTY above.
Note: Direct TTY to TTY communication does not require the use of a relay service.
IRS requires, at one end, a computer with an active Internet connection and a web browser running Java; most computers on the MIT campus meet these requirements. You can access an Internet relay service via your web browser at one of the links below:
For more information, see an overview of relay services
IS&T Telephony Services
The IS&T Telephone Information Center will help MIT students, staff and faculty with locating assistive telephone products. Such products include:
- TTY units
- Headsets for hands-free telephone use
- Noise cancellation headpieces
- Signal control units
- Voiced caller ID
You can reach the Telephone Information Center at tele-info@mit.edu or 617.253.3692
Back To TopTelephone Support Resources
Telephone Support and Repairs
(Traditional and MITvoip phones)
Email: telephone-help@mit.edu
Phone: 617.253.4357
Traditional Phone Moves/Changes
(For use by AOs/DLC administrators)
Email: telephone-help@mit.edu
Phone: 617.253.3670
