Speech-to-Speech (STS)

What is Speech-To-Speech (STS)?

STS is for people who have difficulty speaking or being understood and who can hear over the phone. Speech-to-Speech relay involves specially-trained Communication Assistants (CAs) who are familiar with a wide variety of speech patterns of callers with cerebral palsy, stroke complications, voice disorders, or other speaking difficulties.

How does it work?

During an STS call, the CA listens to everything the STS user says and re-voices, as needed and/or requested, to the other person. When the other person responds, the STS user listens directly to what is said. Louisiana Relay also offers an option that allows the CA to mute the voice of the STS user, if requested.

Louisiana Relay strongly encourages STS users to establish a Customer Profile—a personal profile that automatically lets the CA know the communication preferences for placing and receiving STS calls.

Do I need any special equipment?

No special equipment is needed to use STS.

How to make a STS call?

For information on how to make a STS call click here.

Additional STS Options:

Visually Assisted Speech-to-Speech
Individuals who have difficulty speaking can oftentimes be better understood when they can be seen. With Visually Assisted Speech-to-Speech (STS), Louisiana Relay Communication Assistants are able to use both speech AND visual cues to facilitate conversations for STS users.

What kind of equipment do I need?

  • Telephone with active service
  • Computer and webcam
  • High-speed internet connection (512 kbps is recommended)
  • Skype user account

* If you do not already have a Skype user account, visit Skype.com and follow directions to download and register.

SkypeTM is a trade mark of Skype. Louisiana Relay and Hamilton Relay are not affiliated, sponsored, authorized or otherwise associated with the Skype group of companies.

How to make a Visually Assisted STS call?

For information on how to make a Visually Assisted STS call click here.

Additional questions about using STS?

Call the STS User Training Line!
Anyone who would like to learn more about Speech-to-Speech (STS) or Visually Assisted STS may call the Louisiana Relay Speech-to-Speech User Training Line at 888-699-6869. This free service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for those who want to use STS themselves or for those who wish to contact a Louisiana resident who uses STS. User Training Line representatives will answer any questions about STS or Visually Assisted STS including proper etiquette and standard procedures, and will also provide an opportunity to place practice calls upon request.