What should i do as an IT manager?

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teliot

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Introduction: I am an IT-Coordinator of a non profit organization.

Management has asked me to setup a TTY line... Are TTY's still used? Most cell phones do IM's... we do have a MSN account for general contact to our organization but we have not yet decided how it should look on brochures.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

~Thomas
 
I run an organization and I have yet recieved a TTY call in ages - the TTY is gathering dust.

Most consumers use Video Relay Services to contact an organization as they prefer that method but even better if they have email or IM access.
 
TTY calls to my business are rare, but still exist. Really, it depends on your clients -- you're asking a group of tech-savvy people here online, most of us probably abandoned the TTY ages ago.

Personally, the more ways you have of people contacting you, the better. A toll free TTY line, combined with email, and maybe instant messaging, would be accessible to most people. Now, work on getting that video access...

The majority of deaf people do NOT have cell phones. A good number of them do, but it's not everywhere yet. Close, but not everywhere. Again, depends on your client makeup -- tech savvy, or rural and tech phobic?
 
I am willing to have both video relay and im available but how should I put that on brochures and business cards?

~Thomas
 
Dennis said:
TTY calls to my business are rare, but still exist. Really, it depends on your clients -- you're asking a group of tech-savvy people here online, most of us probably abandoned the TTY ages ago.

Personally, the more ways you have of people contacting you, the better. A toll free TTY line, combined with email, and maybe instant messaging, would be accessible to most people. Now, work on getting that video access...

The majority of deaf people do NOT have cell phones. A good number of them do, but it's not everywhere yet. Close, but not everywhere. Again, depends on your client makeup -- tech savvy, or rural and tech phobic?
Click to expand...

This is phoenix Arizona. I am going to assume all of our clients have cell phones. Even with that we are now required to have a TTY line. Due to HIPPA restrictions a relay is not the options. I want to setup a TTY modem on a server that staff would be able to access from their workstation. once i get the TTY modem part up the rest should be a piece of cake imo.

What do you recommend for video?
What IM's should we be using? ATM i am thinking AOL and MSN...

~Thomas
 
Quick question. When i do setup the TTY can i get away with ASCII or is Baudot a must?

~Thomas
 
Why not you use the nextalk.net but depend on that agreement. Beside, I disagree with their policy of stupid HIPPA due the record purpose. Beside they should have second choice that VP is more clear than misunderstanding but in other choice. I do not know how do all VRS put us on waiting list. You gotta to find out how to use and can benefit for future Deaf person to work there.

Wish you luck


teliot said:
Quick question. When i do setup the TTY can i get away with ASCII or is Baudot a must?

~Thomas
Click to expand...
 
teliot said:
Quick question. When i do setup the TTY can i get away with ASCII or is Baudot a must?

~Thomas
Click to expand...

If you already haven't gotten an answer to your question, I suggest you read the following FAQ from what is probably the most prolific TTY manufacturer:
Ultratec


Since you mentioned HIPPA, I assume your organization is some kind of medical non-profit. Without knowing what your typical Deaf client/customer base is, it's difficult to recommend a specific method of communication. With that in mind, I agree with Dennis that having multiple forms of contact options is the best way to go.

I can tell you that I, and most, if not all of my Deaf friends, no longer use or even have TTYs. Those that do probably have ASCII-capable units. Many businesses do not use TTY numbers anymore due to lack of usage and the increasing popularity of relay services.

I personally disagree that HIPPA can be claimed as a valid excuse for not allowing video relay contacts. VRS interpreters are bound by confidentiality agreements that they sign with their VRS employers not to disclose any information whatsoever from any VRS relay conversations. VRS interpreters are not supposed to be considered as 3rd parties, but rather solely as an extension of a communication method.

Hopefully, I've assisted in some small way.

-navyman
 
teliot said:
Introduction: I am an IT-Coordinator of a non profit organization.

Management has asked me to setup a TTY line... Are TTY's still used? Most cell phones do IM's... we do have a MSN account for general contact to our organization but we have not yet decided how it should look on brochures.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

~Thomas
Click to expand...

I'm a system administrator for the school for long time. I alway use VRS on the computer with a web cam. Sometime I use Macbook with a i-sight build in. Almost never use TTY for years! VRS save a lot of time then TTY, you might already knew I'm sure. :) Anyway, I use HOVRS most of the time. They have a software for PC and Mac. Been great to me so far.
 
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