Are There Phone Options for Deaf Inmates in Jail or Prison?

Yes. Correctional facilities are required under the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide deaf and hard of hearing inmates with reasonable accommodations for communication, and that includes telephone access.

The most common solution at facilities that serve deaf inmates is a TTY machine, also called a TDD, which allows typed text communication over a phone line. Facilities are required to have TTY equipment available for inmates who need it, and family members on the outside need a compatible TTY device or relay service to communicate through this method.

Video relay services have become increasingly common and in many cases are the preferred modern alternative to TTY. A video relay call allows a deaf inmate to communicate in sign language through a video connection with a certified interpreter who then voices the conversation to the hearing party on the other end. VRS calls are placed through certified providers and are functionally similar to a standard phone call for the hearing family member receiving the call.

The facility's Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator or the inmate's case manager is the right contact to confirm what specific accommodations are available at that institution. Not every facility has the same setup, and some smaller county jails may have more limited options than larger state or federal facilities.

For written communication in the meantime, InmateAid's letter service works the same for deaf inmates as for anyone else. Letters and photos are delivered through the mail and do not require any accommodation.