{"id":70,"date":"2025-05-25T21:34:08","date_gmt":"2025-05-25T21:34:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/development.hamiltonrelay.com\/maryland\/?page_id=70"},"modified":"2025-10-29T19:31:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T19:31:35","slug":"sts-speech-to-speech","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/development.hamiltonrelay.com\/maryland\/services\/sts-speech-to-speech\/","title":{"rendered":"Speech-to-Speech (STS)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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STS (Speech-to-Speech)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Services<\/a> > STS (Speech-to-Speech)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speech-to-Speech (STS) is especially useful for people who have difficulty speaking or being understood on the telephone. STS involves specially trained Operators (OPR) who are familiar with the speech patterns of a wide variety of individuals who have difficulty being understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Placing Calls<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Dial 711 or the toll-free STS number for your state.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Provide the STS OPR the number you wish to call, plus any special instructions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. The OPR will ask the person you are calling if he\/she is familiar with STS. If the person is not, the OPR will explain how STS works before the conversation begins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. The OPR will repeat your part of the conversation, in short phrases, unless you request otherwise. The OPR will work closely with you to ensure your entire conversation is understood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Say \u201cGo Ahead\u201d or \u201cGA\u201d each time you are finished speaking and are ready for a response. The conversation will proceed in this manner until the call is complete.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. To end your call, say \u201cGA to SK\u201d or simply say \u201cGoodbye.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    Placing Calls with Visually Assisted Speech-to-Speech (VA STS)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Visually Assisted Speech-to-Speech (VA STS) involves the use of a live video connection between the OPR and the VA STS user. Utilizing a webcam and computer with\u00a0Jami<\/a>\u2122, the OPR is able to see the VA STS user\u2019s mouth movements, facial expressions and gestures as they are speaking. The OPR uses these visual cues to assist in better understanding the VA STS user\u2019s side of the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Dial the toll-free Speech-to-Speech number for your state.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Using Jami, the OPR establishes a video connection with the VA STS user.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. The VA STS user gives the OPR the number to dial, and any specific call handling instructions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. The OPR dials the requested number and facilitates the conversation<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Helpful Tips<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n