TEEX Public Safety Telecommunicator Practice Test

The concept of traditional relay services primarily encompasses communication methods that facilitate interaction between individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are not. This is typically achieved through services such as voice relay, text relay, and video relay services.

Voice relay service allows a communication assistant to act as a bridge, translating spoken words into text for the hearing-impaired individual and vice versa. Text relay service enables users to communicate through typed messages, ensuring accessibility for those who prefer or require a text-based format. Video relay service utilizes sign language, allowing users to communicate in a visual format, which can be more natural for many deaf individuals.

Internet-based relay services, however, differ from these traditional methods. While they may provide similar functionalities, they leverage internet technologies to facilitate communication, which is not a characteristic of traditional relay services that rely on telephone systems for communication. Therefore, internet-based relay service stands apart and is not considered part of the traditional relay services suite. This distinction highlights how traditional relay services are grounded in established communication techniques primarily utilizing voice and text formats, whereas internet-based options represent an evolution driven by advancements in technology.