Telecommunication relay services for the hearing and speech impaired in arab countries: a proposal with options

ABSTRACT

Approximately 10% of the persons in most countries cannot use a standard telephone [or can only use one with great difficulty] because of a speech and/or hearing impairment. A telecommunication relay service can provide telephone services to such persons that are "functionally equivalent" to those available to persons who do not have these disabilities. These services are described and options are considered for making them available to persons in Arab countries with hearing or speech impairment