TextNet
TextNet provides interactive communication with TTY devices. That is often the only way that students or parents with hearing or speech disabilities can talk with faculty or administration regarding the student’s educational situation or progress.
Why was this created? Calls are not easily transferred and often the parent or student cannot talk with educators or administrators. According to the FCC, school systems that are using voice menu and IVR telephone systems have created barriers* to TTY access even through TTY relay services.
TextNet makes telecommunications accessible to TTY users even if the school is using telephone equipment or technologies like voice menus, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), or Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP)
TTY telephone calls that originate on the telephone system are routed through thetelephone switching center onto the school system’s LAN or WAN. TTY calls are received and/or originated on the appropriate PCs. No additional hardware or networks are required.