Since 1982
Two Deaf entrepreneurs who decided the technology was the barrier
Barbara and Sidney Ander founded Krown Manufacturing / Compu-TTY in Fort Worth, Texas — and spent the next four decades turning that conviction into products.
1982 · The beginning
Personal experience, turned into a mission
Krown Manufacturing / Compu-TTY was founded in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1982 by Barbara and Sidney Ander, two Deaf entrepreneurs who turned personal experience into a mission. Having faced communication barriers throughout their lives, they were determined to create innovative products that would make communication more accessible, independent, and reliable for people who are Deaf, or hard of hearing.
As Deaf parents, Barbara and Sidney understood the everyday challenges of not hearing a baby cry, a knock at the door, a ringing telephone, or an emergency alarm. They also experienced the frustration of being unable to place a direct phone call to a doctor, business, family member, or emergency service without assistance.
They believed that everyone deserves equal access to communication, privacy, safety, and independence. Rather than viewing deafness as the limitation, they recognized that inaccessible technology was the real barrier—and they dedicated their company to developing practical, dependable solutions that empower people to communicate with confidence.
The founding idea
Rather than viewing deafness as the limitation, they recognized that inaccessible technology was the real barrier.
Proving the case
One pizza order at a time
In the early years, Sidney personally visited businesses, hospitals, hotels, and public organizations to demonstrate the importance of TTY accessibility. He wasn't simply introducing new technology—he was helping the hearing world understand the value of direct communication with Deaf customers and why equal access to communication matters.
One of Sidney's earliest successes was selling a TTY to Domino's Pizza. What began as a single installation helped expand TTY accessibility throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area and ultimately contributed to Domino's offering TTY ordering nationwide. For the first time, many Deaf customers could independently order a pizza with the same convenience and privacy as everyone else—a meaningful milestone in accessible communication.
Barbara and Sidney also published the Texas Directory for the Hearing Impaired, a valuable resource that listed TTY/TDD phone numbers for businesses, government agencies, medical providers, emergency services, and organizations serving the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Long before websites, smartphones, text messaging, or online search, the directory made it easier for people to find services they could contact directly, promoting greater independence, accessibility, and connection throughout Texas.
From distributor to manufacturer
Building what did not exist yet
Compu-TTY began as a distributor of Krown communication products, bringing essential accessibility solutions to the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Through their close relationships with customers, Barbara and Sidney gained firsthand insight into the everyday challenges people still faced—and recognized opportunities to create even better solutions.
To expand their impact, they acquired Krown Research, a manufacturer of TTY text telephones, transforming the company from a distributor into a designer and manufacturer of innovative accessibility technology.
Over the following decades, Krown Manufacturing / Compu-TTY introduced a broad portfolio of products designed to make communication more accessible and independent. Innovations included TTY/TDD text telephones, the PCT™ Personal Communication Terminal, PCT™ Pocket Portable, the SM85™ Smart ASCII/Baudot Modem, Public Phone TDDs, PortaView™ TTYs, Braille TTYs for the Deaf-Blind community, PocketComm®, PVCO®, visual notification systems, tactile alerting devices, amplified ringers, door knock and telephone signalers, bed shakers, emergency notification systems, ADA hotel communication kits, amplified telephones, and the groundbreaking Sign Language Translator introduced in 2009.
While the technology continued to evolve, the mission remained unchanged. Every product was developed to solve a real-world communication challenge—transforming sound into light, vibration, text, and greater independence for the people who rely on accessible communication every day.
Today
Four decades on, the mission has not changed
Today, Krown Manufacturing / Compu-TTY proudly continues the mission that Barbara and Sidney Ander began more than 40 years ago: designing innovative communication solutions that help people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or late-deafened communicate more easily, receive important alerts, travel safely, and live with greater independence.
Their legacy extends far beyond the products they created. It is the story of two Deaf entrepreneurs who experienced communication barriers firsthand, challenged the status quo, and transformed those challenges into practical solutions that have improved lives around the world.
From the first TTY sold to Domino's Pizza, to expanding direct business communication, publishing the Texas Directory for the Hearing Impaired, developing industry-leading TTY technology, and creating today's ADA hotel communication kits, emergency notification systems, and visual and tactile alerting products, Krown Manufacturing has remained committed to one purpose:
Creating practical, reliable communication solutions that provide equal access, greater independence, and peace of mind for people who cannot rely on sound.
Because accessibility isn't just about technology—it's about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to communicate, connect, and live with confidence.
Leading the way in accessibility
Innovative solutions that empower communication, ensure safety, and create inclusive experiences worldwide.
- Years of innovation
- 40+
- Guests supported
- Millions
- Sectors served
- Seven
- Commitment
- Accessibility for all
Trusted across
- Hotels & hospitality
- Healthcare
- Government
- Education
- Military facilities
- Cruise lines
- Businesses
Our mission continues today
To design and deliver reliable, easy-to-use solutions that remove barriers and build a more accessible world for everyone.
Certifications
