How to Use IP Captioned Telephone

Editor: The hearing loss community is awash in discussion about the pending IP CapTel service, and there is a lot of confusion about how it works. Part of the problem is that there are a couple of different methods that can be used. The VERY COOL aspect of this service is that so special equipment is required for one of the methods; the other method requires only a readily available (from Radio Shack) adapter.

Here's Bob MacPherson from bhNEWS (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bhnews/) with an explanation of the various methods.

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Hi all from S.Floriduh this balmy day! The mailbags says the IP CT thing got a bit techie and confusing for some/many and a short and sweet summary was in order.

Thus, IP Captioned Telephone for Dummies...

Based on all of the information available, and believed to be accurate.

Making an IP CT call:

Method A

1: Access the provider's website via any computer or web-enabled PDA, etc with a broadband connection
2: Have access to any type of telephone, landline or cell.
3: Enter your phone # and that of the party you wish to call.
4: The actionist will call you first and then your party.
5: You will speak normally on your telephone and read the captions on your computer screen with a slight delay.

Method B

1: Access the provider's website
2: Access a telephone compatible with a telephone adapter - connect the adapter output to the Mic jack on the computer.
3: Dial your party as usual on the telephone.
4: Click on the website: Caption This Call
5: Same as # 5 above.

Receiving an IP CT call:

This is where it gets interesting! <G>

Method A (Where a telephone is connected to the computer via a telephone adapter)

1: When expecting calls, instant access to the provider's website should be ensured.
2: Your caller dials your regular number
3: You answer the call and activate captioning at any time on the provider's website.

Method B: (With such as a cellphone and a Blackberry)

1: Best bet here is to receive the call and advise the caller that you will return the call immediately.
2: Bring up the provider's website and enter your caller's number (from Caller ID) and yours.
3: Wait for the call from the actionist and connection to your party.
4: Enjoy the call and the captions.