If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can usually rent a TTY from your phone company through their disability equipment program for about the same cost as renting an ordinary phone. You might need to get a relevant professional (eg GP, audiologist, speech pathologist) to sign the application form to confirm that you have a hearing or speech impairment
Check with your phone company whether you need to keep your existing phone. Some TTY models can be used as an ordinary phone by other people in your household.
To find out more, contact:
- Telstra: 1800 068 424 or see info and forms on their disability equipment program
- Optus: 1300 301 937
- AAPT: Go to http://residential.aapt.com.au/forms and click on 'Requesting a Special Phone'.
For other phone companies, contact their customer service number.
You can also ask your phone company about other special equipment you might need – for example, if you can’t hear the phone ring or you can’t see the TTY screen well.
