Captioned Telephones
Things to know when considering a Captioned Telephone:
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Captioned telephone calls have a third-party operator who listens to the caller’s side of the conversation, and then re-voices everything the caller says into voice recognition technology. The voice recognition technology converts verbal input into text output, which is sent back down the telephone/internet lines to the user’s captioned telephone. This process may result in some delays in the natural flow of the conversation.
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To prevent fraudulent use of the service, registration with the captioned telephone service provider will be required, including name, address, birth date, and the last four digits of the user’s SSN.
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Captioning may not be perfect! Captioning accuracy varies from one service provider to another.
The Wyoming Relay Equipment Distribution Program (WYRED) distributes the following captioned telephones to approved applicants who cannot benefit from amplification and tone control:
CapTel Model 840 Plus
Requires the following services:
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Analog (i.e. CenturyLink) or IP-based (digital cable or VOIP) telephone line(s)
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Internet connection optional
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Electrical power
When this model is not connected to internet it will result in an extra step for callers. For the user to receive captions, callers must dial through the toll-free number first (routing to the call center), where they are then prompted to enter the user’s telephone number.
It also has the option to connect to the internet via Ethernet cord. DSL lines are supported with appropriate filters in place.
Not compatible with PBX systems unless an analog port is available.
CapTel Model 840i/880i
Requires the following services:
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High speed/broadband internet connection (dial-up internet connection will not work)
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Landline services (analog, digital cable, or VOIP services)
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Electrical power
The 840i (same size as Model 840 Plus pictured above) can connect via Wi-Fi.
The 880i (photo on right) with a larger 10” screen is ideal for low vision clients.
Not compatible with PBX systems unless an analog port is available.
CapTel Model 2400i*
Requires the following services:
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High speed/broadband internet connection via Ethernet or Wi-Fi (dial-up internet connection will not work)
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Landline services (analog, digital cable, and VOIP)
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Electrical power
Features:
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Touch screen technology
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Bluetooth capabilities
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Not compatible with PBX systems unless an analog port is available.
How to Get a Captioned Telephone
For further information on captioned telephones distributed by WYRED and additional captioning options, please:
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Contact Dominique Maestas, WYRED Equipment Distribution Specialist, via:
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Phone: 800-452-1408 Voice/TTY
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Email: dws-wyrelay@wyo.gov or dominique.maestas@wyo.gov
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Mail or In Person:
(Appointment recommended)
444 West Collins Drive, Suite 1200, Casper, WY 82601
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** Wyoming Relay does not distribute the captioning telephones below but we would be more than happy to assist in any way we can for the user to contact the proper provider. Features of the phones could include a built-in answering machine and phonebook, touch screen, loud amplification, and more. Please contact the provider directly for additional information, troubleshooting assistance, or to obtain equipment directly.
ClearCaptions
Requires the following services:
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High speed/broadband internet connection via Ethernet
or Wi-Fi (dial-up internet connection will not work) -
Landline services (analog, digital cable, VOIP)
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Electrical power.
Features:
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Full-color touchscreen display
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Fast-dial Contacts and Favorites
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Answering machine with captioned messages
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Adjustable font, size of captions, and color
ClearCaptions Contact Information
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Website: www.clearcaptions.com
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Phone: 1-866-246-7850
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Customer Support: 1-866-868-8695
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Free equipment with completed Professional Certification Form
Ensemble with ClearCaptions
Requires the following services:
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High speed/broadband internet connection via Ethernet or Wi-Fi (dial-up internet connection will not work)
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Landline services (analog, digital cable, and VOIP)
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Electrical power
Features:
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8” color touchscreen
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Captions provided free through ClearCaptions
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Built-in answering machine and phonebook
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Three (3) custom sound tones
Ensemble with ClearCaptions Contact Information:
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Website: my.clearcaptions.com/content/athome
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Free equipment with completed online form
This captioned telephone is not distributed by WYRED but you may obtain additional information by visiting the manufacturer’s website (clarityproducts.com/ensemble/) or by calling 1-800-426-3738 or TTY 1-800-772-2889. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide additional information, troubleshooting assistance, or loaner equipment because the Clarity Ensemble by Clarity is not distributed by WYRED.
CaptionCall
Requires the following services:
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Analog (i.e. CenturyLink) or
IP-based (digital cable or VOIP) telephone line(s) -
Internet connection optional
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Electrical power.
CaptionCall Contact Information
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Website: www.captioncall.com
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Phone: 833-691-1600
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Customer Support: 1-877-557-2227
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Email: support@captioncall.com
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Free equipment with completed Professional Referral Form
The CaptionCall by Sorenson Communications is another captioned telephone on the market. WYRED does not distribute the CaptionCall®, but you may obtain additional information by visiting their website (captioncall.com), by calling 1-877-557-2227, or by emailing: support@captioncall.com. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide additional information, troubleshooting assistance, or loaner equipment because CaptionCall by Sorenson Communications is not distributed by WYRED.
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FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS ANYONE BUT REGISTERED USERS WITH HEARING LOSS FROM USING INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) CAPTIONED TELEPHONES WITH THE CAPTIONS TURNED ON. IP Captioned Telephone Service may use a live operator. The operator generates captions of what the other party to the call says. These captions are then sent to your phone. There is a cost for each minute of captions generated, paid from a federally administered fund. No cost is passed on to the CapTel user for using the service.