When a typical voice based telephone is used the audible information is converted into electrical information so that it can travel throught the lines to the destination where it is converted back into audible information. For text based communication systems the conversion is transferred to the user not the technology. The user must translate his or her thoughts to text format and type it out on the keyboard. The listener must be able to read the message at the other end, agin providing the means of translation. In this simplest of descriptions we are leaving out the technicalities if electrical transfer but that aspect should work in the background and need not concern the user.
Text based systems can be either stand-alone or computer based.
Either way the user needs the ability to type and read. The categories these products are divided into are computer based adaptations and stand-alone devices. Additionally, a listing of manufacturers and other points of interest to the consumer. This list is in no way intended as an endorsement of the products or manufacturers by LINC or Bell Atlantic. The following 18 links contain information on telecommunications for the deaf.