Instant Message (IM) for Relay Users
This free feature allows you to make Relay calls in real time though AIM® (AOL IM), MSN Web Messenger or Yahoo! Messenger. After sending an IM to your preferred provider (e.g. Sorenson, Hamilton, Sprint, etc.; see below for contact information) containing the number you wish to call, a Communications Assistant (CA) will connect you. During the call, the CA will voice your text message to the other person and type his or her response back to you.
You can access this service through your desktop computer, laptop or compatible wireless device. You can also request a translator (just type, “CA ASL [or Spanish] translator please”), copy and paste text from another document into the IM box (this allows you to prepare your conversations ahead of time) and provide the CA with specific calling instructions.
As with traditional Relay, CAs are required by law to maintain absolute confidentiality about all calls.
To place a Relay call via IM:
- Add the IM name of your preferred provider (listed below) to your friends (or “Buddy”) list:AT&T: add attrelay
i711: add i711.com
Hamilton: add ThatsHamilton
Hands On: add HOVRSIM
Sorenson: add SIPRelay
Sprint: add SprintIP
Verizon: add MyIPRelay
- Send an IM to any of the providers listed above containing the ten-digit phone number you wish to call, along with any special calling instructions for the CA.
- During the conversation, the CA will type the words spoken by the person you are calling. These words will appear on your IM screen. Your typed response will then be voiced by the CA to the person you are calling.
- The call will continue in this manner until the conversation is finished.
In an emergency, use your telephone or TTY to dial 9-1-1 directly!