NOTE: This material was compiled by TDI to provide
information on the various options in Telecommunication Relay Services
throughout the United States. Non-commercial reproduction is encouraged
with acknowledgment of the source. TDI is a resource and advocacy center
promoting equal access to telecommunications and media access for people
who are deaf, late-deafened, hard-of-hearing or deaf-blind. TDI has no
affiliation with any company listed, and does not offer accuracy or
endorsement. Furthermore, TDI does not warrant any product or services
mentioned herein to be in compliance with Section 255 of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, or any other Federal state or local laws. This Fact Sheet is a
working document, where its contents would be modified from time to
time; please contact TDI for recent updates or if you are aware of
corrections or additions. This document is available in alternate
formats upon request.
Multi-vendoring is here! Now consumers who are deaf, hard of hearing,
late-deafened or deaf-blind have several ways to use telecommunication
relay services (TRS). You may use whatever is offered in your state, or
you may use the Internet. With Video Relay, you can make relay calls in
sign language to a remote interpreter instead of typing text on a
keyboard.
The Federal Communications Commission has authorized reimbursement from
the National Exchange Carrier Association's long-distance TRS funding
mechanism. There are no additional fees beyond your normal ISP charges.
Several ways to use relay services:
Your state TRS via 711 or a dedicated
toll-free number for the TRS service of your choice.
National Interstate TRS provided by your
long distance carrier.
Video Relay Service (VRS) (See
list below.)
- If you have broadband (DSL/Cable) and a webcam, and
you
prefer to use sign language. Watch this web page
as more
states may come online shortly.
Below is a list of
Video Relay service providers in the United States.
