Trial: Captioned Telephone (CapTel)

California is currently conducting a trial of CapTel phone and service to evaluate this product before it is permanently added to the DDTP's equipment distribution program.

CapTel (Captioned Telephone) provides word-for-word captions of everything said by the other party in a telephone conversation. At the same time, the voice can be heard via an amplified handset. Users with intelligible speech who are deaf or hard of hearing speak directly to the other party. Conversations flow at a near-normal pace.

A person calling to a CapTel user first dials an 800 number to connect to the Captioning Center:

English: 866-399-9050
Spanish: 866-399-9090

Using speech-to-text software, a specially trained operator repeats everything the caller says. A computer converts this to text which is sent to the CapTel user's screen at the same time the caller's voiced conversation is heard via the handset by CapTel user. The CapTel user responds using his or her voice, which is heard in real-time by the caller, just as in a traditional phone call.

When a CapTel user places an outgoing call, it is automatically connected to the Captioning Center.

For more information on this phone please visit http://www.captionedtelephone.com/ or contact Customer Service at 888-269-7477.

If you have questions about the trial or are interested in joining the trial, please contact.

CTAP Call Center
P.O. Box 30310
Stockton, CA 95213

TTY: 800-806-4474
Voice: 800-806-1191

Using your Captioned Telephone – Helpful Tips

Since 2003, CTAP has provided Captioned Telephones to qualified hard of hearing and late-deafened consumers. If you experience difficulties using your equipment, please contact the CapTel Customer Service by CapTel phone or voice at 888-269-7477, or visit the CapTel website for more helpful user tips.