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2-Line Voice Carry Over User Guide

2-Line VCO calls are designed for people who do not hear but want the independence of speaking for themselves, while having more control over their calls then allowed via traditional relay.

2-Line VCO users must have two separate phone lines with different numbers and 3-way or conference calling capability on one of those lines. This enhanced relay feature allows users to have an interactive conversation without the use of "GA" and "SK". Unlike regular relay calls, the Communication Assistant does not identify the relay and is present only to type the voice of the called party.

Equipment Needed:

Direct Connect TTY with Turbo Code or Internet access with its own telephone line. (Turbo Code is not a must. However, 2LVCO works most efficiently at a faster baud rate.)
Voice Telephone with its own telephone number.
3-way conference calling feature on the voice line (contact your local telephone company for information).

Making a Call:

Dial the Wyoming Relay's TTY toll free number, 1-800-877-9965, or 711 from your '11'Y or connect to the relay through the Internet via HIP Relay at www.hiprelay.com.
Type to the Communication Assistant (CA) that this will be a 2-Line VCO call. Instruct the CA to call your voice number.
The CA will dial your voice number and type back "Dialing xxx-xxx-xxxx, Ring 1,2,.." Answer your voice line with your voice. Ask the CA if they can hear you. The CA will type back a response on your PC or TTY. Tell the CA to hold.
Place the CA on hold on your voice phone as required to create a conference call.
From your voice phone, dial the number of the person you want to talk to.
Connect the conference immediately on your voice phone.*
When the called person answers, the CA will start typing that person's spoken words to you. (Relay will not be identified or explained by the CA.) You will be speaking directly to the person called; there is no need for either person to wait for a "Go Ahead". The CA and relay will be invisible.

Receiving a Call (with a TTY only):

Answer the call with your voice and ask the caller to hold.
Place the voice caller on `hold' as required, creating a conference call.* Then, dial your state relay by using the toll free number on your voice phone.
Speak immediately when the CA answers. Explain to the CA this will be a 2-Line VCO call and to type only what the other person says after you have conferenced him/her in. Instruct the CA to call your TTY number.
Answer your TTY line by typing, then `conference' between the voice caller and the CA on the voice line. (Relay will not be identified or explained by the CA.)
You will speak directly to the caller. There is no need for either person to wait for a "Go Ahead". The CA will be invisible.

Note: "hold", "switch hook", "flash", "conference" and "link" may vary depending on your telephone company's features and procedures.

Tips for Making a 2-Line VCO call:

When the Communication Assistant calls, answer " Hello CA, can you understand my voice? Please type back to me if you can."
The Communication Assistant should type "Yes" or "Yes I can understand your voice."
On your voice line, explain again your intentions. "Communication Assistant I am making a 2-Line VCO call. I am going to put you on hold and conference another person in. I want you to type their voice, not my voice. Do you understand?"
Once the Communication Assistant has typed "Yes", tell the Communication Assistant you are putting him/her on HOLD. Dial the number of the person you wish to call and hit the conference button immediatelier. NOTE: For some phones it will be the switch hook, others a "flash" button or conference button. You want to start the conference feature right after you have dialed the number so the COMMUNICATION ASSISTANT can type (RINGING 1, 2,...) and get the call started off on the right foot.
Do not be afraid to work with your Communication Assistant as a team player. The Communication Assistant is an importart part of the call. The more clearly they understand your intentions, the better they can serve you.

Remember, you are in charge of your call. If you dial the relay and get a female CA, and you would prefer to have a male CA relay your call, you can request a male CA. As long as one is available, your request will be honored.

There is no charge for using the Wyoming Relay. However, you will be charged for long distance calls. Long distance calls will be billed through Sprint, unless you ask the CA to use a different long distance carrier.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency services TTY number directly. WYRS will make every effort to assist you in an emergency. However, relay centers are not 911 centers and do not assume responsibility for emergency calls.

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