How to use PA relay

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PA (Pennsylvania) Relay is a free, 24/7, public service which guarantees all citizens access to prompt, professional and accurate communication through the use of a telephone. While PA Relay is free to use, phone company charges still apply.

Individuals who use standard phones may use PA Relay to communicate with persons who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard-of-hearing, or have difficulty speaking; whose primary language is not American Sign Language (ASL); and who use an assistive telecommunications device, such as TTY/TDD, Voice Carry Over (VCO), Hearing Carry Over (HCO), Speech-to-Speech (STS), Spanish and captioned telephones.

PA Relay services are provided by trained communications assistants (CA) who follow a strict code of ethics and confidentiality. Visit www.PARelay.net for more details.

Use PA Relay to INITIATE a call

  1. Dial 9711 if using your work phone or dial 711 from a standard phone.
  2. The PA Relay CA will answer with his/her identification number and ask for the number you wish to call.
  3. Provide the area code and telephone number you wish to call, along with any special instructions.
  4. All messages are relayed by the CA, either typed or spoken, word-for-word. The person you are calling may also be made aware of any audible background noises or conversations occurring near you.
  5. The CA will facilitate the conversation through a turn-taking process. When it is your turn, speak directly and clearly to the person you are calling and say “GA” or “go ahead” when you are ready for a response. The other party will begin their message and when you hear the words “GA” or “go ahead”, it is your turn to speak again.
  6. To end your call, say “signing off” or “”

Use PA Relay to RECEIVE a call

  1. Your phone rings and you answer it.
  2. You hear the CA say “Hello, this is PA Relay service communication assistant #1234 with a relay call for this number.”
  3. DON’T HANG UP. You realize this is a call from a person who uses PA Relay.
  4. You say “go ahead”
  5. You listen for “GA” or “go ahead” as the CA reads the message provided by the caller.
  6. When you hear “GA” or “go ahead” you respond as though talking directly to the caller.
  7. When the conversation is over someone says “goodbye” or “signing off” and both disconnect the call.