Captioned telephone service available for hearing-impaired customers

In July 2006, the New York Public Service Commission voted to make captioned telephone service available for hearing-impaired customers in New York State. The service, referred to as "CapTel" service, will be offered through the New York Relay Service starting in January 2007.

CapTel service uses a telephone that works like any other phone with one important addition: it displays every word the non-CapTel user says. The captions are displayed on a screen embedded into the telephone base. The service is similar to close-captioning of television, or subtitles on DVD movies.

To use the CapTel service, customers must purchase a CapTel telephone.  To download an order form to purchase the CapTel phone, click on the Captel telephone to the left.  

For more information on New York’s Relay Service or the Commission order regarding Captioned Telephone service, click on the appropriate links to the right.