3.5 Definitions.
4.1.3 Accessible
Buildings: New Construction. (ii) If an interior public pay telephone is provided in a stadium or arena, in a convention center, in a hotel with a convention center, or in a covered mall, at least one interior public text telephone shall be provided in the facility. (iii) If a public pay telephone is located in or adjacent to a hospital emergency room, hospital recovery room, or hospital waiting room, one public text telephone shall be provided at each such location.
4.1.3(17)(d)
4.1.6 Accessible
Buildings: Alterations.
(i) alterations to
existing buildings or facilities with less than four exterior or interior
public pay telephones would increase the total number to four or more
telephones with at least one in an interior location; or
10.3.1(12) [Fixed
Facilities and Stations.] (a) If an interior public pay telephone is provided in a transit facility (as defined by the Department of Transportation) at least one interior public text telephone shall be provided in the station. (b) Where four or more public pay telephones serve a particular entrance to a rail station and at least one is in an interior location, at least one interior public text telephone shall be provided to serve that entrance. Compliance with this section constitutes compliance with section 4.1.3(17)(c).
10.3.2(2) [Key Stations]: Where public pay telephones are provided, and at least one is at an interior location, a public text telephone shall be provided in compliance with 4.31.9. Additionally, if four or more public pay telephones are located in any of the following locations, at least one public text telephone shall also be provided in that location.
(a) a main terminal
outside the security areas; Compliance with this section constitutes compliance with section 4.1.3(17)(c). 4.31.9 Text Telephones Required by 4.1. (1) Text telephones used with a pay telephone shall be permanently affixed within, or adjacent to, the telephone enclosure. If an acoustic coupler is used, the telephone cord shall be sufficiently long to allow connection of the text telephone and the telephone receiver. (2) Pay telephones designed to accommodate a portable text telephone shall be equipped with a shelf and an electrical outlet within or adjacent to the telephone enclosure. The telephone handset shall be capable of being placed flush on the surface of the shelf. The shelf shall be capable of accommodating a text telephone and shall have 6 in (152 mm) minimum vertical clearance in the area where the text telephone is to be placed. (3) Equivalent facilitation may be provided. For example, a portable text telephone may be made available in a hotel at the registration desk if it is available on a 24-our basis for use with nearby public pay telephones. In this instance, at least one pay telephone shall comply with paragraph 2 of this section. In addition, if an acoustic coupler is used, the telephone handset cord shall be sufficiently long so as to allow connection of the text telephone and the telephone receiver. Directional signage shall be provided and shall comply with 4.30.7.
4.30.7 Symbols of Accessibility.
Appendix
This technical assistance is intended solely as informal guidance; it is not a determination of the legal rights or responsibilities of entities subject to the ADA. |
The
landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted on July 26, 1990,
provides comprehensive civil rights protections to individuals with
disabilities in the areas of employment (title I), State and local
government services (title II), public accommodations and commercial
facilities (title III), and telecommunications (title IV). Both the
Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation, in adopting
standards for new construction and alterations of places of public
accommodation and commercial facilities covered by title III and public
transportation facilities covered by title II of the ADA, have issued
implementing rules that incorporate the Americans with Disabilities Act
Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), developed by the Access Board.
The products shown in this guide are only intended to serve as examples to illustrate the accessibility guidelines, and are not intended as endorsements of the products. Other products may be available. The Access Board does not evaluate or certify products for compliance with the accessibility guidelines. Users are advised to obtain and review product specifications for compliance with the accessibility guidelines.
U N I T E D S T A T E S A C C E S S B O A R D TECHNICAL BULLETIN: TEXT TELEPHONES (TTYs)Why are text telephones required? Scoping and technical criteria were developed for assistive listening devices, emergency communications systems, visual alarms and auxiliary notification devices, volume controls at public telephones, and public text telephones for persons with speech or hearing impairments. What is a text telephone? ... a TDD? ... a TTY? Text telephones enable non-voice communications with other users of such devices through the public telephone network. Two-way communications between individuals who use text telephones and those who do not is accomplished through 24-hour operator-assisted relay services mandated by title IV of the ADA. Text telephones are also known as TTYs (from their origins in teletype technology) or TDDs (telecommunications devices for deaf persons). The term “text telephone” is used throughout the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) to include all such devices. Text telephone capability may be integral with or accessory to a telephone. Many of the newer public pay telephones--both coin- and card-operated--incorporate TTY technology. One model provides a vandal-proof metal drawer for attachment beneath a public pay telephone housing. The outgoing call is made conventionally, using the telephone keypad, with the handset placed in an adjacent cradle. The drawer, which contains the keyboard and screen, automatically opens for use when the call is answered by another text telephone. If the call is not answered by a text telephone, the drawer will not operate. Another model has a handset cradle, small display screen, and keyboard within an enclosure that can be installed next to a wall-mounted public pay telephone. A portable device may also be permanently secured within or adjacent to a telephone enclosure. Other installations may provide only a shelf and power outlet for a portable TTY. Weatherproof text telephones were not available when ADAAG was under development and thus exterior installations are not currently required. However, several manufacturers now produce units for outdoor use. Portable units can service office- and residential-type telephones as well. Devices typically comprise an acoustic coupler for the telephone handset, a simplified keyboard, and an LED message display. When connected to a standard power outlet, the TTY converts typed messages into audible tones that can be transmitted through the direct-dial network to a receiving TTY. Top-of-the-line equipment incorporates print-out and recording capability in many models; lightweight portable versions are useful for travelers. Businesses that wish to provide text telephone service may acquire a portable TTY that can be used to answer calls on any voice number or line. An incoming text telephone call can usually be identified by a high-pitched, electronic or beeping sound that precedes it. Some TTYs are equipped with announcers whose recorded message signals a text telephone call. For instructions on handling text telephone calls and a lexicon of commonly-used TTY phrases and abbreviations, request the Access Board's free brochure on "Using a TTY." Where are text telephones required? Additionally, the installation of text telephones is required under certain conditions in new construction and alterations of buildings and facilities covered by titles II and III of the Act. ADAAG contains scooping and technical provisions that specify these conditions and installations. This bulletin deals largely with those requirements. In new construction, at least one public pay telephone is required:
Additionally, in new buildings with banks of three or more interior public pay telephones, one telephone at each bank must be equipped with a shelf and power outlet for a portable TTY. In alterations, a text telephone would be required:
Alterations include the replacement of existing public pay telephones with units of a different type, relocating existing telephones, or installing new telephones where none had previously been located. Path-of-travel obligations under ADAAG 4.1.6(2) also include telephone scoping that may require the installation of a text telephone. Reinstalling an existing unit at an accessible height to comply with title II requirements for barrier removal in a place of public accommodation or replacing an existing non-functioning telephone with a new unit of the same type would not trigger alterations provisions. However, routine maintenance of this sort may offer cost-effective opportunities to expand access for persons with hearing or speech impairments. Why are there provisions for both fixed and
portable text telephones? Where must the shelf and outlet be located? What is meant by equivalent facilitation? Are TTY directories required at public pay text
telephones?
Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. TDI also offers a list of manufacturers and suppliers of portable TTYs, public pay text telephones, and other communications devices that do not require voice operation. A training video on using a TTY is also available. How do users know that--and where--text telephones
are available in a facility? Should a required text telephone--or TTY
capability--be provided at a wheelchair accessible telephone? Where can public pay text telephones be obtained? In new construction, TTY equipment can be provided as part of the public pay telephone contract with a telephone company, independent pay phone provider, or route subcontractor. For existing installations, contact the pay telephone service provider to add a TTY to an existing bank or to modify an existing pay phone device. Adding a shelf or outlet or--where vandalism will not be a concern--attaching a portable TTY adjacent to an existing public telephone can also be done by a carpenter or construction contractor. TTY specifiers and purchasers should be aware of interface requirements when acquiring new equipment. TTY technology was standardized on Baudot (5-bit) communications codes in the 1960s; computer applications require an ASCII (8-bit) format. While current TTY devices continue to use Baudot technology, most newer units have an ASCII option available, and many are compatible with both systems. Computer-based text telephones use ASCII, but can be programmed to receive and send Baudot. Telephone emergency services (911 and similar fast-dial lines) provided by public entities must be compatible with Baudot format. Although it is likely that the more flexible and accommodating ASCII format will soon dominate the market, Baudot models will certainly continue in use for many years. Other issues affecting the specification of text telephones include acoustic vs. electronic coupling of the public telephone receiver; maintenance and vandalism; convenience of use; purchase and installation cost, and coin vs. credit-card operation. What other regulations may require the provision
of a text telephone? Stores and shops, doctor's offices, restaurants, and similar establishments are not required to offer TTY service for persons with hearing or speech impairments making inquiries, appointments, or reservations since this can be accomplished through the relay system established under title IV of the ADA. However, emergency telephone services (911 and similar fast-dial lines) offered by public entities covered by title II must offer direct access to non-voice callers. Other state or local government communications with applicants and beneficiaries require the use of TTYs or equally-effective telecommunications systems, which may include relay services. What other situations might benefit from the
provision of a text telephone? Sources for Additional Information For information on title II regulations for program accessibility in existing state and local government buildings and effective communications by public entities, contact the Department of Justice (DOJ) at (800) 514-0383 (TTY), (800) 514-0301 (voice), or visit its website at www.ada.gov. Information on title III regulations for barrier removal in existing buildings or auxiliary aids and services for public accommodations is also available through the DOJ information line and website. For information on title IV regulations on telephone relay services, contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at (888) 835-5322 (TTY), (888) 225-5322 (voice), or visit its website at www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/trs.html. August 2003
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