Video Relay Service Options

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.
  
  
• Internet (IP) Relay. (See Fact Sheet.)
  
  
• 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.

Video Relay Service Provider

  URL Address

AT&T

Communication Access
Center

Hamilton

Verizon

Sorenson VRS

Sprint

CSD

Federal Relay

Alaska

California

Connecticut

    www.CTVRS.com

Indiana

    www.INVRS.com

Minnesota

    www.MNVRS.com

Montana

    www.MTVRS.com

New Mexico

    www.NMVRS.com

North Dakota

    www.NDVRS.com

Oregon

    www.ORVRS.com

South Carolina

    www.RSCVRS.com

South Dakota

    www.SDVRS.com

Utah

    www.UTVRS.com

Wyoming

    www.WYVRS.com