Simplifying Wireless Communications for Individuals with Speech Disabilities
Topic: Disability Communication
Author: T-Mobile
Published: 2012/05/25 - Updated: 2021/09/08
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main Item - Related Topics
Synopsis: Sprint has made it easier for individuals with speech disabilities to initiate calls using a wireless phone. Speech Disability is defined as being when a person is unable to produce speech sounds correctly or fluently, or has problems with his or her voice, then he or she has a speech disorder. A Speech to Speech (STS) operator listens to the conversation and repeats the words of the person with a speech disability to the other party. STS users can instruct the STS operator to repeat every word spoken or to repeat the words that are unclear.
Introduction
Sprint has made it easier for individuals with speech disabilities to initiate calls using a wireless phone. Sprint's newly launched "My Wireless STS" service enables individuals with speech disabilities to simply dial a short wireless code - *787 - to place an operator-assisted call.
Main Item
NOTE: Sprint and T-Mobile have now merged.
Speech Disability is defined as being when a person is unable to produce speech sounds correctly or fluently, or has problems with his or her voice, then he or she has a speech disorder. Difficulties pronouncing sounds, or articulation disorders, and stuttering are examples of speech disorders. Speech disabilities vary in type and degree. Some may include difficulty with voice strength, fluency, aphasia which may alter the articulation of certain words, or voicelessness. Occurrence of speech impairments may be congenital, or due to an injury or illness.
A Speech to Speech (STS) operator listens to the conversation and repeats the words of the person with a speech disability to the other party. STS users can instruct the STS operator to repeat every word spoken or to simply repeat the words that are unclear. No special equipment is needed.
STS users can access the *787 service from anywhere in the country 24 hours a day, 365 days per year - and at no charge to the user.
"We are very excited to announce *787 - a service that's tailored to the needs of STS users," said Michael Ellis, Director, Sprint Relay. "We are the first in the industry to bring this service to market, and we're pleased to have developed it in collaboration with speech disabled communities across the country."
Sprint also offers "My Email Set-up" for STS users with access to email.
"We know that some STS users may tire and speech may become more difficult during long calls. Our new Email Set-Up makes it easier," Ellis said. "To reduce the amount of energy needed to provide calling instructions, STS users can email that information directly to the STS operator 2 to 24 hours prior to the call. This can include information such as the number to be dialed, the name of the person being called, any special instructions and subject of the call, or anything that makes it easier for the STS user to complete the call."
Sprint also recently announced the availability of dedicated customer service for STS users. Sprint's STS support staff provides one-on-one assistance, training on the STS service and can assist STS users to register their calling preferences.
For its innovation and industry-leading customer service in the deaf, hard of hearing and speech disabled communities, Sprint has been lauded with third-party awards and endorsements. The Paisley Group National Relay TTY Performance Index ranked Sprint Relay highest in customer care and speed of service. Sprint Relay also earned ABILITY Magazine's Best Practices Award for its "spirit of inclusion" in the workplace and in the consumer marketplace."
Sprint now provides relay service to 32 states and the federal government, to the country of New Zealand and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Sprint also provides Captioned Telephone "CapTel" services to 31 states and the federal government.
Attribution/Source(s):
This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by T-Mobile, and published on 2012/05/25 (Edit Update: 2021/09/08), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, T-Mobile can be contacted at tmobileaccess.com. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.
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Cite This Page (APA): T-Mobile. (2012, May 25 - Last revised: 2021, September 8). Simplifying Wireless Communications for Individuals with Speech Disabilities. Disabled World. Retrieved October 11, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/communication/sprint.php
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