If your hearing and speech are fine but you would like to call someone who is deaf, hearing-impaired or speech-impaired, you can make a call to them through the National Relay Service.

Calling TTY users

If the person you want to call uses a TTY then you can contact them using an ordinary handset by ringing the NRS on 133 677. You will be asked to dial the area code and number of the TTY you wish to call and then transferred to the relay officer.

The relay officer will tell you when your call is connected - then just begin your conversation. The relay officer will relay your words to the other person.

Depending on whether the other person has a hearing impairment and/or a speech impairment, the relay officer will relay their text into speech, your speech into text, or both. The relay officer will stay on the line to relay all or part of your call as needed and generally help the call to go smoothly.  

Some tips for your call

• speak slowly
• pause at the end of each phrase or sentence
• repeat and spell difficult words, names, addresses and phone numbers
• cover one topic at a time
• speak no more than two to three minutes each turn
• always say ‘go ahead' after each response
• always end your call with ‘goodbye, signing off' or something similar
• use ‘I' and ‘you' rather than ‘tell her', as if you are talking directly to the person you are calling
• once your call has started, only speak directly to the relay officer if you are having technical problems.

Calling a Speak and Listen user

Some people with speech impairments or difficulties rely on the NRS for their calls because their voice is sometimes difficult to understand on the phone. They make their calls with an ordinary handset and a relay officer stays on the line to re-speak all or part of what they say to the other person. This is known as Speak and Listen or speech-to-speech relay.

If you want to ring someone who relies on Speak and Listen relay calls, dial 1300 555 727 and you will be connected to a relay officer.

Internet relay calls

If you want to contact someone who uses a TTY you can also ring them through your computer or internet-connected mobile phone. All you need is an internet connection. You can even make the call through MSN or AOL. Find out more.

Call costs

Standard calls to a NRS user via 133 677 or 1300 555 727 cost about the same as a local call.

International calls and calls to 1900 premium rate numbers require a NRS account and you will be charged the relevant international or premium rate. See more on call costs.