CER2520@ritvax.bitnet (C. E. Reid) (07/14/89)
Dear Telecom Readers:
I found this article to be of interest and I thought you'd be interested to
learn about new technology development for the hearing impaired.
The following article is quoted from a newsletter for members of the
Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. (TDI), a non-profit organization
dedicated to improving the telecommunications for the hearing impaired, "GA-SK
Newsletter", vol. 20, no. 1, Spring, 1989, page 18:
PAY PHONE TDD UPDATE
Cindy E. Hanson
If you happen to be near Terminal Two in Chicago's O'Hare Airport and need
to make a TDD call, just look for the "TDD Equipped" sign next to the
information desk. The first Pay Phone TDD is now installed and ready for use.
For the first time ever, the Pay Phone TDD allows people to have access to a
TDD equipmed pay telephone.
The Ultratec-developed Pay Phone TDD, which is located next to the
information desk in Terminal Two, is well marked with a large "TDD Equipped"
sign above it.
O'Hare Airport was chosen as the first Pay Phone TDD installation site
because of its high traffic. It's also only a short distance from Ultratec's
corporate headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, which makes it convenient for
frequent testing and evaluations.
According to O'Hare Airport's Susan Mally, Coordinator of Airport
Information, the Pay Phone TDD is much better equipped for public use than the
previous standard TDD. "There is no comparison" she says, "The Pay Phone TDD
is very self-sufficient. We haven't had any problems."
Prior to the Pay Phone TDD, the only TDD available in the Airport repeated
showed signs of wear and tear because it was not enclosed or designed for
public use. The Pay Phone TDD is attached to the bottom of a regular pay
telephone, housed inside a vandal-proof metal drawer which opens only when a
TDD number is dialed and a TDD signal is returned. Because of this design, the
Pay Phone TDD does not show any signs of vandalism or misuse.
While testing continues at O'Hare Airport, other locations including
universities, schools, and public buildings are being researched as possible
Pay Phone TDD locations.
For more information about the Pay Phone TDD, including how to get one
installed in your area contact:
Jayne Turner of Ultratec Inc.
6442 Normandy Lane, Madison, WI 53719
(608)-273-0707 (Voice/TDD)