Virginia Relay Text Messaging (VRTM)

Only Available in Virginia

Virginia Relay Text Messaging (VRTM) enables deaf and hard-of-hearing Virginians to use their text pager or wireless device (e.g. Motorola T900, T-Mobile Sidekick®, BlackBerry, Palm Treo) to send messages to their family members and friends, who then receive the message over their standard phone or through their TTY.

The feature, which can only be used to contact someone inside the Commonwealth, is ideal for use while traveling, in emergency situations and when trying to reach someone who is away from their computer.

To use VRTM to send a message FROM your text pager/wireless device:

1. Using your text pager/wireless device, send your message, along with the intended recipient’s name and telephone number, rm-vrtm@ems.att.com.
   
2. Once the message reaches the Virginia Relay Center in Norton, a specially trained Text Messaging Representative (TMR) will forward it to the person indicated.
   
3. If the recipient is a hearing person, the TMR will voice the message text over the phone. If he or she is a TTY user, the message will appear on his or her TTY screen. Recipients then have the option of replying to the message.

To send a message TO a VRTM user:

1. Dial 7-1-1 on your standard telephone to reach Virginia Relay.
   
2. Tell the Communications Assistant (CA) you want to send a text message.
   
3. Follow the CA’s instructions.

Virginia Relay Text Messaging Registration Form