What are TDDs and TTYs?

Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDDs) and Teletypewriters (TTYs) are nearly interchangeable terms to describe the terminal devices used widely by deaf people for text communication over telephone lines.

TDD and TTY devices are usually the size of a small laptop with a keyboard and small screen, which typically only displays one line of text. Often, a small printer is attached to the devices for making transcripts of terminal sessions. As technology advances, TDDs and TTYs are being replaced by Internet services, such as email and instant messaging.

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