Terminology: “TTY” vs.“TDD”
The issue
What is the "proper" term for the special devices used by deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people to communicate with each other over the telephone?
CAD's position
The proper term is "TTY".
On July 11th, 1992, the three national associations of the Deaf ‑‑ The Canadian Association of the Deaf, the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf, and the Canadian Deaf Sports Association – gathered together in Richmond, B.C., along with many independent delegates to the Canadian Deaf Festival. One of the issues discussed at this joint public meeting was the proper terminology for telephone devices.
When the first machines were developed in the 1960s, they were called "TTYs" (Telephone Teletypes). In the 1970s and 1980s, these devices were improved, made smaller and easier to use, and were mass produced. The newer machines were called "TDDs" (Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf). In recent years, the Federal Communications Commission of the United States and the World Federation of the Deaf have both adopted the European term "TT" (Text Telephone).
At the Canadian Deaf Festival 1992, a vote of all Deaf people present was held. "TTY" was chosen as the official Canadian term for devices that enable Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people to communicate with each other over the telephone system. Thus, the three Deaf consumer organizations together adopted the term " TTY" and encourage its use. The combined term of “TTY/TDD” is not an acceptable compromise.
The term "TTY" was chosen for two main reasons. One, it has better claims to being a "Deaf culture" name than "TDD" does. Two, while "TDD" appears to limit the use of the device to Deaf people only (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf), "TTY" shows that its use is not limited to Deaf people and that we encourage hard of hearing and hearing people to use the device as well.
The term "ATS" is the correct Quebec French version to use.
Approved: 17th July 2002
FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
The
Canadian Association of the Deaf
203 - 251 Bank Street
K2P 1X3
(613)565-8882 TTY
(613)565-2882 Voice
(613)565-1207 Fax
www.cad.ca
