TT? TTY? TDD? What's In a Name?

[Al J. Noll]

Steve Cox <sr...@EPIX.NET> wrote:
> I'm still reaching for the tech term for TTY- T.... T.... Yoke. I heard it
> years ago and
> now can't put my finger on it :( Al Noll a friend of mine at IBM may be
> able to find the term..
> Al are you out there?

Hi Steve...and yup, I'm here and just saw your append. Regarding
the difference between the three acronyms: TT, TTY, and TDD and
which one is the most appropriate term, the term of choice, within
the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, I believe the attached is
probably the best answer.

Computingly yours,

Al J. Noll
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REPRINTED FROM THE 1996/1997 FALL/WINTER EDITION OF THE RED NOTEBOOK.

When the deaf community entered the telephone market in the 1960s,
200 to 300 pound teletypewriters were used. The acronym for
teletypewriter was "TTY." Actually, telephones were in common use.

In 1970s, "TDD" was used for portable Telecommunications Devices for
the Deaf. There were quite a few objectives to applying the term
"for the deaf" to a device which hearing people can use. One does
not have to have hearing and/or speech disabilities to use a TDD.

Should "for the deaf" be used, equality must be maintained by
including "for the hearing" in the names of some devices. Since
the terms "telephone device for the hearing" (TDH) or "microphones
for the speaking" (MS) are unacceptable to the general public,
efforts to remove "for the deaf" should be made.

On June 26, 1991, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
adopted the term "Text Telephone (TT)" which, like the telephone,
is more generic, and to designate existing telecommunication
devices and computers equipped with modems. This technology
now links users to the world of electronic databases, electronic
mail, and information services. However, "TT" was not an acceptable
acronym to the deaf community. "TT" in sign language reflects
"toilet." Spoken, "tee tee" sounds ridiculous.

Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. (TDI) took a firm stand and
endorsed the acronym "TTY" since 1993. Their rationale: "TTY" was
long in use and is familiar to most people, and is the least
objectionable term.

Incidentally, TDI was established in 1968 through the efforts of
the National Association of the Deaf and the Alexander Graham Bell
Association for the Deaf to promote full visual access to information
and telecommunications for people with hearing and/or speech
disabilities, including those who are legally blind or have
other disabilities.

Today, public libraries, schools, academic institutions, government
offices, businesses, and others use "TTY" as an acronym for all
telephone texts.

/End