Video Relay Service (VRS)

How VRS Works

Video Relay Service (VRS) is a feature of Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) that enables deaf or hard of hearing persons who signs to communicate with voice telephone user (hearing persons) through video conference equipment (web cameras or video phone products), rather than through typed text that traditional TTY relay service uses. VRS user connects to a Video Interpreter (VI - an interpreter who works for VRS provider), then the user gives a phone number of a hearing person to VI, and then VI places a telephone call to the hearing party. The user sees VI on video conference equipment and they can see each other and sign to each other; VI talks via voice to the hearing party; and, thus VI provides telephone interpreting service between the user and hearing party. The VI relays the conversation back and forth between the parties. A voice telephone user can also initiate a VRS call by calling a VRS center, usually through a toll-free number. VRS is enormously popular service because the conversation between the VRS user and the VI flows much more quickly than with a text-based TRS call. Additionally, VI is able to express the mood of both parties; interpret the mood of hearing person in sign language, and voice the mood of signing person whereas it is not possible with text-based relay service. Consequently, VRS is much more like a normal telephone conversation where the emotions of each party is readily identified by inflections of the voice, etc.

The VRS CA can be reached through the VRS provider’s Internet site (web camera and computer), or through video equipment attached to a television. Currently, more than a half dozen providers offer VRS - see the list below. Like all TRS calls, VRS is free to the caller. VRS providers are compensated for their costs from the Interstate TRS Fund, which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees.

Here is the list of VRS providers:

AT&T VRS: http://www.attvrs.com

Communications Access Center: http://www.cacvrs.org

CSD VRS: http://www.csdvrs.com

Federal VRS (For those who work for federal, use this): http://www.fedvrs.us/

Hamilton VRS: http://www.hamiltonrelay.com/videorelay/

Hands On VRS: http://www.hovrs.com

I711 VRS: http://www.i711.com/vrs/welcome.php

IP-Relay VRS: http://www.ip-vrs.com/

Life Links VRS: http://www.lifelinksvrs.com/

SNAP VRS: http://www.snapvrs.com/

Sorensen VRS: http://www.sorensonvrs.com

Sprint VRS: http://www.sprintvrs.com

Viable VRS: http://www.viable.net/vrs

Check out this link for listing of Video Relay Service and Video Remote Interpreting providers:

http://www.clearviewinnovations.com/VRS-VRILinks.htm

Last Updated: 05/23/07