I used to work for Verizon Relay.
If you want the business/person to know you're deaf/hoh, tell the operator you want your call announced a certain way. Before you give the number tell the operator...
(opr pls say this call is from "jane" and i'm deaf) or something similar so when they call the number they'll go "this is ip relay opr 1234 with a relay call from jane who is deaf, do you know how to use relay" or something like that (every operator is different in how they announce that because there's no set protocal for that.
If you're calling a small business, be prepared to be hung up on. They're a main target of Nigerian scammers. If it happens, STOP trying to call them on an IP-Relay service and use State Relay. If that's not an option, go into the store. In all odds if they know there IS a legit deaf person trying to call them they'll be less likely to just hang up.
If you're calling back a number that showed up on caller ID and they don't leave a message...do NOT Call it back! In all odds it was a wrong number. It happens, to hearing and deaf people. If they don't know how to use relay, and then hang up on you (meaning the opr tells you they've explained relay to the person and then that they hung up)...in all odds they just hit a wrong number. It's not the end of the world, it's not worth getting pissed off about, it's not worth cussing someone out for, and it's not worth constantly calling them harassing them to tell them to stop calling you cause you're deaf. LET IT GO!
On recordings...DO NOT ASK FOR LIVE REP! Most recordings have at the LEAST 1-2 tiers before you can talk to someone. Most times you need to enter your phone number or enter an option if you're a customer or not. If you know that the recording you're calling will ask that, provide that info up front. Most operators would be GREATFUL to have you give them the options on the recording you want to enter, rather than typing it all out. If you're calling a recording you haven't called before, then PLEASE let the operator type it out so you can pick an option. I know it's confusing sometimes on Instant messangers to tell which number is for which option, so if you're confused, then just type in "billing" if it's unclear if that's option 2 or 3...the opr will know what you mean.
If you're confused on the recording tree, in IP we can NOT change an option 3 trees back. You HAVE TO redial, which wipes the slate clean so to speak. And FYI...the Social security recording changed months ago...live rep and then "no" should be provided up front if you really want a live rep. FYI 411 automated directory assistance changed too. IT want's city and state first. Then business, government or residential. FYI T-mobile requires your phone number FIRST, THEN you may be able to ask for a live-rep, unless there's a past due balance on your account. Also, if a recording says "to continue in english press X", the opr will press it by default...we have to, we're english only relay lol. So PLEASE don't say "press 1" when you see "press 1 for english" it's already done.
When dealing with professionals or a business, AVOID slang terms. It decreases your credibility as an intellegent person when you use "instant message slang" in a professional setting. Avoid "dis" "den" "undy", and so on. When you're talking with friends it's not a big deal, but someone in an office is going to get annoyed REALLY quick. IF you're heavy on ASL sentence structure you can ask the opr to translate, but on IP thats a crap shoot. In that instance, State relay would probably be able to help you out more, they can take more liberties where IP is pretty strict.
If you're confused about something, ASK QUESTIONS. If you don't know what "pro-rated" means, ASK. Also, realize, with a business, they in all odds don't care to hear your life story or that the dog ate your last bill. They want yes/no questions or SHORT answers. Not a novel about why you can't unplug your computer cause you don't know what an outlet is. And ANSWER the questions that are asked. If someone asks for "name, address, date of birth and SSN"...don't just say "this is jane smith ga"
If you're one of the few deaf people who leaves a message...if you leave an e-mail...spell it out! Tell them who you are! So many people get messages of "this is ip relay opr 1234 with a message, call me, end of message thk u ip relay opr 1234 good bye"....now if you're their only deaf friend it might not be a biggie, but if not, they don't know who's calling them.
Constantly calling people or businesses that don't want to talk to you or can't talk to you right now...that's HARASSMENT and it's illegal. In all odds they're really busy and simply don't have the time/concentration to devote to a relay call. If it's not a matter of life/death, it's going to be OK to call them back later on...and by later on..not 2 minutes, like 20 minutes.
And for the love of all things, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use GA/SK protocal! Which means typing GA when you are TOTALLY done with your response.
hi ga how are u ga are u there ga <~~~ THAT is NOT RIGHT! GA is NOT a period at the end of a sentence it's more like the paragraph break. Once you type GA, it's the OTHER PERSON'S turn. They can't interupt you, so don't interupt them. I've noticed that kind of patience is lacking with many deaf people, but it's not just patience for them to resopnd it's respecting them and letting them say their piece before you do. On a regular phone you can't really talk at the same time as the other person or you end up talking over each other someone's signal gets choppy and you miss things. Also typing "bye GA" for 20 minutes....the operator doesn't know when you and your friend are done talking. That's what SK is for. It means "stop keying" and indicates you're ready to hang the phone up. USE IT, LOVE IT!
It's SO worth reading any FAQ pages on whatever Relay site you choose to use. If you have questions you can ask the operators too. We're trained to assume that the orig knows how to use relay, which is such a bad assumption. But in all odds if it at least appears you're trying, the opr won't be hostile (unless they're just naturally that way LOL)
