Tone and Mood Expression
Communications Assistants (CAs) can provide detailed information to Relay users on the tone and mood of the other person’s words. CAs will preface tone and mood descriptions with the words, sounds, seems and appears to let the Relay user know they are sharing an observation. Enhanced tone and mood expression is automatically provided during each call, unless the Relay user requests otherwise.
Directory Assistance
Virginia Relay can access directory assistance for local and nationwide telephone numbers. The CA can also place the call for the Relay user.
Inbound International Calls
Using our designated international access number, 276-679-5968, individuals can reach Virginia Relay from other countries. Keep in mind that this number can only be used to dial a phone number within Virginia.
900 Pay-Per-Call
TTY users can make 900 pay-per-calls through Virginia Relay. (Spanish speakers placing 900 pay-per-calls should dial 1-900-944-4889).
Answering Machine Retrieval
Relay users can have their voicemail or answering machine messages retrieved through Virginia Relay. To request this service, simply tell the CA you want to listen to your messages or give him or her your access code, if required.
ASL “Gloss” Translation
The CA can translate your American Sign Language (ASL) typed words into standard English upon request.
Call Forwarding
Virginia Relay text users can reroute their incoming calls to an alternate number by subscribing to call-forwarding services through their local telephone company. Once you have done so, dial 1-888-477-0655 to activate your call-forwarding request. To cancel this service, dial the same 888 number and follow the prompts.
Speech-To-Speech (STS) with Privacy
When an STS user requests this option, only the CA will be able to hear the user’s voice, not the other party.
Spanish-to-Spanish and English-to-Spanish Translation
Virginia Relay makes it easy for Spanish- and English-speaking Virginia Relay users to call one another by phone. Other features for Spanish users include STS and pay-per-call.
TTY to TTY with Voice Intercept
When a TTY user calls with a prepaid phone card or calls another TTY user at a location where an operator or automated answering service first answers the phone, he or she may place the call through Virginia Relay. The Virginia Relay CA makes the connection according to the voice that first answers the phone, or the automated prompts, and then connects the two lines, so the call can continue TTY to TTY.
True Caller ID
Relay users who subscribe to Caller ID services can view the originating telephone number of an incoming call, rather than the phone number of Virginia Relay. The feature also permits Relay users (Caller ID and non-Caller ID subscribers alike) to choose Caller ID preferences (e.g. block my number, send relay number, etc.). To subscribe to Caller ID services, contact your local telephone company.