Currently viewing the category: "RID"

Personal Opinion – Reforming VRS

By On May 13, 2010 · 1 Comment

Video Relay Service (VRS) enables persons who use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with voice telephone users through video equipment, rather than through typed text (like the old TTY). Videoconferencing equipment, videophone, or computer and webcam links the VRS user with an interpreter/operator – called a “Communications Assistant” (CA) – so that the deaf [...]

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New Proposed VRS Rates – Reasonable or Devastating

By On May 12, 2010 · 3 Comments

The VRS program is managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide “functionally equivalent” communication for the deaf over the standard phone system. Sign language interpreters are hired by VRS Service Providers to interpret calls between deaf and hearing callers. Fees collected on every land line and cell phone in the U.S. go into [...]

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Why Hospitals Need VRI

By On January 12, 2010 · Leave a Comment

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires hospitals to provide effective communication with patients who are deaf.  For deaf individuals who communicate sign language, a qualified sign language interpreter may be required.  An ASL interpreter will be sufficient in most medical situations not involving the profoundly deaf. Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) uses videoconferencing equipment, HIPAA [...]

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