ADAAG Manual

Selecting a TTY

Under ADAAG, TTYs can be permanently fixed within or next to phone enclosures. Pay phones with integrated TTYs are available. One model provides a vandal-proof metal drawer for attachment beneath a pay phone housing. The drawer containing the keyboard and screen automatically opens for use only when the call is answered by another TTY. Another model provides a coupler, screen, and keyboard within an enclosure than can be installed next to a wall-mounted pay phone. Portable devices can also be permanently secured within or next to telephone enclosures. Vandal-resistant and weather proof TTYs are available for outdoor use, including at exterior-only sites such as highway rest areas and parks. (Since outdoor models were not available when ADAAG was first published, it does not currently address exterior installations but will likely do so in future updates.)

Recommendation: When buying or specifying a TTY to satisfy ADAAG or other ADA requirements, it is helpful to consider:

• Power Supply TTYs integrated with pay phones are permanently wired to the power system. Most portable devices require a standard 110 volt receptacle near the phone.

• Display Most TTYs use either a back lit LCD display or an LED display. The number of characters in the display at one time may vary from 1 line (20 characters) to 2 lines (80 characters). Since it can be difficult to write down information as it is read, the 2-line display can be helpful.

• Connection to Phones and Phone Lines When selecting a TTY with acoustic couplers, consider the design of telephone handsets. Most couplers are designed to fit standard rounded handsets like those usually found on pay phones. TTYs that connect directly to phone lines do not require coupling through the telephone handset. Where phone systems are digital, a special connector (digital-analog converter) is needed and can be obtained from a phone provider.