Phone Accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Options in 2026

Phone calls remain a fundamental part of modern life - from scheduling appointments to resolving billing issues. For the approximately 48 million Americans with some degree of hearing loss, these routine tasks require alternative approaches. This guide covers all major accessibility options available in 2026.

Video Relay Service (VRS)

VRS connects deaf and hard of hearing users who use American Sign Language with hearing people via a sign language interpreter over video.

How It Works

1. You make a video call to a VRS center
2. An interpreter appears on screen
3. The interpreter calls the hearing person for you
4. You sign to the interpreter, who speaks to the hearing person
5. The interpreter signs back what the hearing person says

Pros

• Free for users (federally funded)
• Natural ASL communication
• Real-time conversation possible
• Works for complex, back-and-forth discussions

Cons

• Requires ASL fluency
• Third party (interpreter) in your conversations
• May require scheduling during busy times
• Needs video phone or app with good internet

Text Telephone (TTY) / TDD

TTY devices allow text-based phone communication over traditional phone lines.

How It Works

You type messages on a TTY device. Through a relay operator, your text is read to the hearing person, and their spoken responses are typed back to you.

Pros

• Direct text communication
• Creates written record of conversation
• Works without internet

Cons

• Very slow (typing speed)
• Requires specialized equipment
• Largely considered outdated technology
• Still involves relay operator

Captioned Telephone

Captioned phones display written captions of what the other person says while you speak directly into the phone.

How It Works

You speak normally into the phone. The other person's speech is transcribed in near-real-time and displayed on your phone's screen.

Pros

• Use your own voice
• Free captioned telephone equipment for qualified users
• More natural conversation flow than TTY

Cons

• Slight caption delay
• Requires some hearing or lip-reading for best use
• Accuracy varies with speaker clarity

A different approach: AI makes the call for you

KallyAI handles phone calls entirely - you communicate in text, AI handles the voice call.

Try KallyAI Free

AI Phone Assistants

AI phone assistants like KallyAI represent a newer approach: instead of adapting voice calls for accessibility, they remove you from the voice portion entirely.

How It Works

1. You type what you need ("Schedule a dentist appointment for next Tuesday")
2. AI makes the voice call on your behalf
3. AI navigates phone menus and conversations
4. You receive results as text

Pros

• No hearing required at any point
• No third-party interpreter in your conversations
• Works on any device with internet
• Available 24/7 - no scheduling
• Automatic written record of every call

Cons

• Not free (subscription model)
• Best for routine calls, not complex real-time discussions
• Cannot handle calls requiring immediate decisions

Choosing the Right Option

The Future of Phone Accessibility

Technology continues to improve accessibility options. In 2026, we're seeing:

• AI transcription improving in accuracy and speed
• AI phone agents that can handle calls entirely on your behalf
• Better integration between accessibility services and mainstream apps
• Real-time translation between ASL and spoken English advancing

The goal is a future where hearing status doesn't limit access to any phone-based service.

Try AI phone accessibility

KallyAI makes phone calls accessible through text. First call free.

Try KallyAI Free