Video Relay Services: Bridging Communication Gaps and Paving the Way for DVC Innovation

In today's digital age, communication is an integral part of our lives, but for the Deaf and hard of hearing community, this hasn't always been straightforward. Video Relay Service (VRS) emerged as a solution to bridge the communication gap, but how does it work, and what are its intricacies? Let's explore the world of VRS, from its evolution and challenges to its comparison with the innovative Direct Video Calling (DVC) solution.

The Birth of VRS: Connecting Deaf and Hearing Worlds

Video Relay Service (VRS) emerged as a communication breakthrough for the Deaf and hard of hearing community, evolving from earlier telecommunication methods like Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS). TRS allowed Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to communicate using specialized text phones called a TTY. Relay specialists facilitated calls between them and hearing individuals or businesses.

The concept of sign language users conversing via video communication was demonstrated as early as the 1964 New York World's Fair. However, VRS faced early challenges, such as slow analog phone lines and high costs. It wasn't until the 1990s, with improved video technology and high-speed data services, that VRS became practical. Ed Bosson, an advocate, and Sprint's involvement paved the way for VRS trials in Texas in the mid-1990s.

These trials led to the expansion of VRS across Texas and eventually nationwide. In the early 2000s, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted the oversight of VRS, ensuring ethical and efficient service and funding. VRS regulation covers aspects like interpreter response times and service availability, reinforcing its importance in enabling effective communication for the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

How VRS Works

Imagine trying to make a phone call with a person who does not speak your language. This is a similar challenge faced by Deaf and hard of hearing individuals for years until the advent of Video Relay Service (VRS). VRS allows Deaf and hard of hearing people to communicate with hearing individuals and businesses through the assistance of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. Here's how it works:

A Deaf Person Calling a Hearing Person

1. Deaf or hard of hearing Caller: The process begins with a Deaf and hard of hearing individual who initiates a call to a business, government agency, or individual, just like anyone else.
2. ASL Interpreter: When the call connects, an ASL interpreter comes into play. These interpreters are professionals proficient in ASL and English. There are trilingual interpreters who also speak Spanish.
3. Translation Bridge: The ASL interpreter initiate the call to the hearing person and acts as a bridge between the Deaf and hard of hearing caller and the hearing person on the other end of the line. They interpret the conversation in real-time, ensuring both parties understand each other.

A Hearing Person Calling a Deaf Person

This is also true in the opposite direction where hearing people can call a Deaf person through an interpreter. The number that a Deaf person provides is registered in a database and allows VRS companies to recognize that a hearing person is making a call to a Deaf or hard of hearing person who uses a videophone (think an app or device that is a dedicated FaceTime or Duo tool). Here’s how the call works:

1. Hearing Caller: The process begins with a hearing individual who initiates a call to a Deaf person with a registered videophone number.
2. ASL Interpreter: When the call connects, an ASL interpreter comes into play. These interpreters introduce themselves and initiate the call to the Deaf person’s videophone using their videophone.
3. Smooth Communication: The hearing person speaks into the phone, the ASL interpreter signs the message to the Deaf and hard of hearing caller, and vice versa. This process is not only communication but also a form of cultural exchange.

In both applications, ASL interpreters play a pivotal role in the VRS process. They work tirelessly to ensure smooth communication between Deaf and hard of hearing individuals and hearing individuals or businesses. They must navigate the complex landscape of various calls, from emergencies to mundane inquiries to local accents in spoken or signed language, all while facilitating cultural understanding. ASL interpreters are unsung heroes who deserve recognition for their hard work.