Braille TTY

Those who are DeafBlind can use a Braille TTY to make and answer calls through Maryland Relay. A Braille TTY includes a keyboard, which allows the user to type his/her side of the conversation, and a Braille display for reading the other person’s responses.

How It Works

How a Braille TTY conversation works 

  • The Braille TTY user types his/her side of the conversation on the Braille TTY’s keyboard.

  • A Maryland Relay Operator voices the Braille TTY user’s text to the other person.

  • As the other person speaks, the Operator types the spoken words, which the Braille TTY user reads on the TTY’s Braille display.

Please complete a Customer Profile for immediate connection to Braille TTY Operator, and to personalize your calling preferences.

To Make a Braille TTY Call

  1. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a Braille TTY call through Maryland Relay.

  2. The Maryland Relay Operator’s greeting, including the Operator’s identification number, will display on your Braille TTY.

  3. When the Operator is finished typing, you will read the letters “GA,” which stand for “Go Ahead.” See a list of commonly used abbreviations.

  4. Type the number of the person you want to call, then type “GA.” The Braille display will let you know if the phone is ringing or if the line is busy.

  5. When the other person answers, the Operator types the greeting spoken by that person, and then types (m) if the person is male or (f) if the person is female.

  6. Wait until you read “GA” before typing your response. Do not forget to type “GA” when you are finished with your response.

  7. When the conversation is over, type "GA to SK" or "SK SK" and hang up. “SK” stands for “Stop Keying.”

  8. If you would like to make another call, do not hang up. The Operator will remain on the line, ready to assist you, the moment your conversation ends.

Braille TTY-to-Braille TTY calling is also available. To learn more about making and receiving Braille TTY calls,​ download detailed instructions now, or call 800-552-7724 or 410-767-6960 (Voice/TTY) or 443-453-5970 (Video Phone) to request Braille TTY training.

Personalized Text Pacing (Typing Speed Buffer)

Because Braille is often read at a slower pace than traditional text, Braille TTY users can request the Maryland Relay Operator to type at a speed slower than the standard rate. Braille users can request a specific speed, in five-word increments, beginning at ten words per minute up to 45 words per minute. In order to determine the pace that works best, Braille users can ask the Operator to try different speeds until the user finds a speed that is comfortable.

Apply for A Braille TTY Provided by the State

Braille TTYs and other assistive telephone devices are available through the Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program for qualified Maryland residents. Learn more about the MAT program.