Video relay service
A Video Relay Service (VRS) is a free service provided for Deaf, hard of hearing and speech-disabled individuals, which enables them to make real-time phone calls. The service is funded and regulated by the FCC.
How It Works
When an individual (typically Deaf or Hard of Hearing) that uses American Sign Language, or some other mode of manual communication (such as Signing Exact English, Pidgin Signed English, Linguistics of Visual English, etc.,) to communicate wishes to place a phone call to a hearing person (or vice versa) they use either a videophone or a camera-enabled device (such as a webcam connected to a computer) to connect to a Video Relay Service. Their call is routed to a sign language interpreter (referred to in this context as a Video Interpreter) who is also in front of a camera or videophone. Once connected, the VRS user can give the interpreter the number they wish to dial, as well as any special dialing instructions, if needed. The interpreter places the call and interprets in their normal mode as a neutral, non-participating third-party. Put simply, anything that the phone user speaks will be signed to the video user, and anything signed by the video user will be spoken to the phone user. Once the call is over, the VRS user is free to make subsequent calls or to hang up.
As mentioned, VRS calls are not only initiated by persons who communicate manually. Hearing people wishing to contact a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person can use their telephones to call the video interpreter, who will in turn contact the videophone user.
Most VRS services also offer other options for their users. Such options may or may not include:
- Voice Carry Over: Using their own voice instead of the interpreter's voice
- Language Preference: Informing the interpreter to use either American Sign Language or Signed English
- Connecting to a sign language interpreter that can interpret into spoken Spanish
The FCC's Role in VRS
The Federal Communications Commission oversees both Telecommunications Relay Services and Video Relay Services in their effort to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act in providing equal access to individuals with disabilities. The FCC created the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Fund, currently overseen by NECA, to fund TRS and VRS services.
In addition to funding VRS, the FCC regulates how VRS companies and their employees handle calls. These regulations help to ensure that VRS calls are handled appropriately and ethically.