Improving communications for people with speaking and hearing impairments
Systems for communication
The New Zealand Internet Relay (NZIR) is a means of telecommunication for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or speech-impaired. Callers use their PC or laptop to establish an internet connection with a relay assistant, and type their message to the other party. The relay assistant reads aloud the typed message to the other party, then types the verbal response.
This service is available at all times; there is no call surcharge, and local and national calls are free. Chargeable calls, such as those to mobile phones or overseas locations, can be made if the caller has previously registered with NZ Relay. Registration for this service is by telephone (0800 4 713 713, TTY; 0800 4 715 715, voice) or by a registration form that can be downloaded from the New Zealand Relay website (www.nzrelay.co.nz).
The text telephone (TTY) is a device that lets people who are hard of hearing, deaf or speech-impaired communicate by typing messages back and forth to one another, rather than using an assistant to relay the messages. A TTY combines a telephone handset (which is set onto special acoustic cups), a keyboard and a text display. Messages typed using the keyboard are sent over the telephone line (not the internet, as with NZIR) and appear on the text display of the person you have called. A TTY is required at both ends of the conversation. Information about TTY equipment can be obtained from the New Zealand Relay website.
HDC has technology to receive complaints by TTY and relay services
If you want to make a complaint about the quality of service you have received from the provider of a health or disability service, but have an impairment that makes using the telephone difficult, you can reach staff at the office of the Health and Disability Commissioner using either the New Zealand Internet Relay (NZIR) or the text telephone (TTY), as well as fax, email or letter. The contact number for calling HDC via TTY is 09 373 1060. It is also possible to contact HDC using the internet via NZIR. Calls are private and confidential, and material is erased as soon as the call is terminated, unless you request a copy for your own records.