Bell Atlantic Sponsors Library TTY Program

NEW YORK, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ — Nassau County residents can now visit their local library to “kick the tires” on a text telephone — a device that helps deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired people to communicate over the phone by typing.

The special telephone equipment may be borrowed by all library-card holders, not just those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired.

Through a program jointly sponsored by Bell Atlantic and the Nassau Library System, residents will be able to check out — at no charge – – a text telephone, also known as a TTY or TeleTypewriter, with the same ease as borrowing a book or tape. The program enables people to try a TTY to see if they would like to buy one for themselves or a child, parent or employee.

Note: A kick-off of the TTY Loan Program will be held tomorrow, Dec. 8, at 9:30 a.m. at the Nassau Library, 900 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale, NY 11553.

“The Nassau loaner program is similar to a very successful program we’ve established with the Suffolk Cooperative Library System and in other areas across the state,” said Judi Schillaci, Bell Atlantic’s Long Island Community Affairs director. “Initially, we will be providing six TTY kits to the Nassau Library System. The deaf community has been advocating for a loaner TTY program, and Bell Atlantic is happy to answer the call of these important customers.”

With a TTY, a person can type and read messages — much like a typewriter– to communicate, instead of speaking over a telephone. Those who use a TTY can communicate with other TTY users, or with people who use a regular telephone with the help of the New York Relay Center for the Deaf. The communications assistants at the center serve as interpreters by relaying voice and text messages between TTY users and people who use a standard telephone.

In addition to a TTY, borrowers will also get a Call Alert signaler, which alerts a deaf person that they have an incoming call with a visual signal, and a captioned instructional video. They will also receive information about the services offered by the Bell Atlantic Center for Customers with Disabilities.

To borrow a TTY, individuals need only show their library card at their local library. A TTY should be available for pick-up the next business day, and can be checked out for two weeks.

“Being able to borrow a TTY unit is a very valuable advantage for a deaf person,” said Dorothy Puryear, chief of the Nassau Library’s Special Library Services division. “A ‘test drive’ will answer questions about how to use one, whether to buy one, and who should have one. This program is in keeping with the Nassau Library System’s commitment to serve all members of the community.” The Associated Press © BY MADELINE BARO