Providing True, Two-way Telecommunication—Just Dial 7-1-1 People who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled typically use a TTY to make calls through Georgia Relay. A TTY looks similar to a standard telephone, except for a typewriter-style keyboard with letters and numbers, a text screen and a printer. After dialing 7-1-1, Georgia Relay's easy-to-remember access number, the person initiating the call gives the Georgia Relay Communications Assistant (CA) the phone number of the person or business being called. As the call progresses, the CA voices the TTY user's text and types the words of the standard phone user to the TTY user, relaying the conversation back and forth. This is true, two-way telecommunication, easily and effectively used by all Georgians. The privacy you need, the realism you desire Georgia Relay CAs have been specially trained to handle any type of Relay call. They communicate the typed or spoken words exactly as given and by law, maintain absolute confidentiality about all conversations. CAs do not participate in the conversations; instead, they relay the words between both parties as if they are not present. The CAs also will type background noises and voice intonations to the TTY user, making the call as natural and realistic as possible. Be ready for a Georgia Relay call Even if you use a standard phone and have never made or received a Georgia Relay call, you may answer the phone sometime and hear, “Hello, this is Georgia Relay…” Please don’t hang up when this happens, thinking you are receiving a telemarketing or some other unsolicited call. A skilled CA will guide you through the call and help you experience the many benefits of telecommunication through Georgia Relay. Remember GA or "Go Ahead" During a Georgia Relay call, remember to say "Go Ahead" (TTY users type "GA") each time you finish your part of the conversation. This alerts the other person to begin responding to you. It also lets the CA know when each person has finished his or her side of the conversation.