Edward Lord collection on Rochester Tel-Com Association of the Deaf

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RITDSA-0157

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Edward Lord collection on Rochester Tel-Com Association of the Deaf (RTCAD) contains fifteen TTY/TDD directories created by RTCAD for the years 1982-1996. The directories were compiled by RTCAD and distributed to their members. They list phone numbers for Rochester area businesses and services, restaurants, hospitals, libraries, and include advertisements for some of the organizations listed. They also include phone numbers for each RTCAD member for voice or TTY communication. These directories were invaluable to the deaf population in Rochester in assisting with enhanced communications.

The large RTCAD banner is made of royal blue and white felt. It has the RTCAD logo on it.

Dates

Creation: 1982-1996

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

Edward B. Lord was a graduate of NTID and received the 1984 Distinguished Alumni Award. Rochester Tel-com Association Of The Deaf, Inc. was formed on Jun 28, 1973. The Association consisted of 300 owners of various compatible telecommunication devices. The devices allowed the members to keep in touch with some 15,000 other deaf TTY owners across the country.

The directories were a compilation of phone numbers of members of the Rochester Tel-Com Association of the Deaf, Inc. and also consisted of owners of various compatible telecommunication devices. These devices allowed the members to keep in touch not only with each other over the telephone, but also with other deaf owners throughout the U.S., Canada and other overseas countries. By means of typed messages over the regular voice grade telephone network, deaf people were able to elevate their lives from silent to vocal participants in this rapidly changing world where communications were placed at a premium.

Since 1964, with the invention of an acoustic coupler by deaf radio-TTY ham operator, R.H. Weitbrecht, new levels of communication among the deaf have continued to be reached.

Extent

3 Linear Feet (1 small file box 1 small roll box containing flag)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

The Edward Lord collection on Rochester Tel-Com Association of the Deaf (RTCAD) contains fifteen directories created by RTCAD for 1982-1996, and a RTCAD banner.