The Challenge of Phone Calls for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Users
Phone calls assume hearing. The entire system — automated menus, voice conversations, hold music announcements — is built for people who can hear. For deaf and hard of hearing individuals, this creates a fundamental accessibility barrier for tasks that many take for granted.
Traditional solutions like Video Relay Service (VRS) or TTY require scheduling, special equipment, and involve third parties in your personal conversations. While valuable for complex discussions, these services can feel like overkill for routine tasks like scheduling an appointment or checking if a prescription is ready.
The result is often avoidance. Simple tasks get postponed because the friction of arranging accessible communication feels disproportionate to the call itself. What hearing people do in 2 minutes can take 20 minutes of coordination for someone relying on relay services.
📋What You Need Before Using KallyAI
- A smartphone or computer with internet access
- Description of what you need accomplished
- Any relevant account numbers or personal information
- Preferred dates/times for appointments
- Specific questions you need answered
- No special equipment or apps required
📞How KallyAI Handles Phone Menus
KallyAI navigates automated phone systems that assume voice interaction. The AI listens to menu options, selects the appropriate choices, and proceeds through multi-level phone trees without any auditory input from you. When systems require spoken responses, KallyAI speaks clearly. When they require touch-tone input, KallyAI handles that too. You receive text updates as the call progresses.
💬What KallyAI Does For You
Expected Wait Times
Average wait: Varies by call type
KallyAI handles all hold time, including listening for those "Your call is important to us" announcements that indicate the hold is continuing. You don't need to monitor the call — KallyAI will complete it and notify you when results are ready. This eliminates the challenge of knowing when someone has finally picked up.
🤖How KallyAI Makes Phone Calls Accessible
KallyAI provides a fundamentally different approach to phone accessibility. Instead of adding layers of interpretation between you and a voice call, KallyAI removes the voice call from your experience entirely. You communicate in text. KallyAI communicates by voice. You receive text results.
Pro Tips
📱 Any device works — KallyAI runs on smartphones, tablets, and computers. No TTY, videophone, or specialized hardware required.
📋 Be specific upfront — The more details you provide in your initial request, the better KallyAI can handle the conversation. Include preferences, constraints, and questions.
📝 Save your summaries — Every call produces a written record. These are useful for healthcare visits, billing disputes, or any situation where you need documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from Video Relay Service (VRS)?
VRS uses a human interpreter who signs the conversation to you via video. KallyAI eliminates the interpreter — you type your request, AI handles the voice call, and you receive text results. It's faster for routine calls and doesn't require scheduling or video equipment.
Can I get real-time updates during the call?
Yes. KallyAI provides status updates as the call progresses. You'll know when the call connects, when you're on hold, and when the conversation is happening. Full details come in the summary.
What if I need to make a decision during the call?
For straightforward decisions (like choosing between appointment times), you can provide preferences upfront: "Book the earliest available, preferably afternoon." For complex real-time decisions, traditional relay services may still be preferable.
Is KallyAI a replacement for all accessibility services?
No. KallyAI excels at routine calls — appointments, inquiries, reservations. For complex medical discussions, legal matters, or calls requiring extensive back-and-forth, VRS or in-person interpreters remain valuable options.