Any video-based media produced for instructional, training, or informational purposes either by the agency or for the agency should be captioned so the information presented is accessible to viewers with hearing impairments. When purchasing training tapes, permission should be obtained from the copyright holder to caption them if they are not already captioned. Electronic Mail - Electronic mail presents few barriers to communication because it is essentially a visual process. The chat mode may be a viable alternative for many internal communications needs. An effective electronic mail system would include a visual message status indicator feature.
Many BBSs exist with information covering a wide variety of topics.
A few BBSs are accessible by the older Baudot-only TTYs. Fax - Facsimile is the electronic transmission of letters and pictures over regular telephone lines. Sending computer generated information, hard copy documents or handwritten notes through a facsimile machine may provide a valuable alternative to telephone messaging in some situations. The fax system used should provide all necessary status information and messages needed for completing the fax transmission in a visual manner. Fax machines that rely on the sender responding to tone or beep indicators are not acceptable for use by individuals with a hearing impairment .