Teletypewriter coupler

A TTY or teletypewriter is an electronic device for text communication over a telephone line, which is designed for use by people with hearing or speech difficulties.

This large chunky 1973 version was one of the first to be brought into New Zealand. At the time it was a major technological breakthrough because for the first time Deaf people were able to communicate with other people who were not in the same location. The text message was transmitted live, via a telephone line, the only drawback was, the message could only be received by a compatible device - of which there were very few.

This TTY is one of six that were purchased from the United States Postal Service and used by Deaf people in New Zealand. This particular TTY was owned by Laurie Schischka who had daughters that were Deaf. Laurie converted the voltage system so that it could be used here. He later donated the machine to the Kelston Deaf Education Centre where it was on display in their museum. When the museum closed it was donated to Te Papa.

Smaller more mobile versions of teletypewriters were soon developed and by the 1980s most Deaf people had sleek versions that they carried around with them. TTYs have now been superseded by mobile telephones.