Kansas Relay Center
What is Kansas Relay?
Kansas Relay is a public service which guarantees all citizens access to prompt, professional and accurate communication through the telephone. Consumers of these specialized services, specifically individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking, can communicate on the phone via TTY, Voice Carry Over (VCO), Hearing Carry Over (HCO), Speech-to-Speech (STS), Spanish and Captioned Telephone in order to connect with family, friends or businesses.
How does relay work?
Simply dial 711 or the appropriate toll-free number to connect with Kansas Relay. A qualified Communication Assistant (CA) will ask for the area code and number of the person you wish to call and begin the relay call. Generally, the CA will voice the typed message from the text telephone (TTY) user to you. The CA relays your voiced message by typing it to the TTY user.
Captioned Telephone (CTS)
Captioned Telephone is ideal for individuals with hearing loss who are able to speak for themselves. A captioned telephone works like any other telephone with an essential difference: it allows users to listen to their phone conversations while reading word-for-word captions of what’s said to them. To call a Captioned Telephone user, dial: 711 or 877-241-2823
Speech-to-Speech (STS)
STS is especially useful for people who have difficulty speaking or being understood on the phone. STS involves a specially trained CA who is familiar with the speech patterns of a wide variety of individuals who have difficulty being understood.
Spanish Relay
Kansas Relay allows Spanish-speaking relay users to access all relay call types. Calls can be translated between Spanish and English if you and the person you are calling are both in Kansas.
How do I apply for specialized equipment?
The Kansas Telecommunications Access Program offers telecommunications equipment to eligible individuals in Kansas who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, or have difficulty with speech, mobility and cognitive functions. For more information, visit www.atk.ku.edu/ks-tap or call 800-526-3648. Information can also be obtained at https://www.kansasrelay.com/outreach-program/tap/
Access Numbers:
Dial 711 or TTY/Voice: 800-776-3777
Spanish: 866-305-1343
Speech-to-Speech: 866-305-1344
Customer Care:
V/TTY: 866-735-2957
Oversite for Kansas Relay is provided by Assistive Technology for Kansas. If you have questions or concerns, contact: atkapps@ku.edu or call 800-526-3648