When I started the Self-Directed Language Learning Courses 110, I was in communication with my language partner, Reba, to figure out when the best times would be for the two of us to meet. We originally were emailing back and forth, but I shared my phone number with Reba in hopes of faster commination via text. However, after one of my biology classes, I received a call from an unknown number. I answered it and was surprised to hear an initial response somewhat like “Hello. This is a telecommunications relay service. You are receiving a call from Reba. Would you like to accept it?” I accepted and was able to speak with Reba regarding scheduling our class, but after hanging up, I remember I was shocked and confused. How did my deaf teacher just call and communicate with me?
Well, Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (which took full effect on July 26, 1993) requires all U.S. telephone companies to provide telecommunications relay services (TRS). This policy was originally pushed by the National Association of the Deaf as, prior to this, there were limited services for both free and paid relay services. What does a TRS do though? TRS enables those that are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired to communicate with those who are hearing in a manner that is “functionally equivalent” to the ability of individual without a disability regarding telephone communication. The ADA requires the Federal Communications Commission to enforce these relay service regulations and to encourage “the use of existing technology and do not discourage or impair the development of improved technology.”
For those that are deaf or hard-of-hearing, the type of TRS that is commonly used is Video Relay Services (VRS). How this works is that an individual with the disability will utilize a device that has a camera and they will contact a VRS communications assistant (CA). The caller and CA will communicate with each other in sign language through a video link and that CA will place a telephone call to whomever the VRS user wishes to call. The VRS CA will interpret the VRS user’s sign to the recipient via speech and then will listen to the recipient’s response and translate said response into ASL for the VRS user. Most deaf people have pre-arranged video relay services with a provider, so if a hearing individual wants to contact a VRS user, the call will automatically be transferred through a VRS provider. These services are free for those with disabilities and the VRS CAs are compensated for their work from the Interstate TRS Fund, which the Federal Communications Commission oversees.
By using the VRS, deaf individuals and hearing individuals can have seemingly fluid conversations where the participants can even interrupt each other. This is unlike some TRS systems such as teletypewriter (TTY) in which the party members must take turns communicating through the CA. In addition, because these VRS conversations flow much more naturally, the conversations that take place can occur quicker. However, it is important to know that VRS, unlike the other TRS, relies on the internet connection, not the telephone system.
Although I was unaware of such services before, I believe it to be important to share this information that I have learned with the general public. Prior to this experience, I had just assumed that it would be rude, or ineffective to call Reba because she was deaf. However, it is important to know that there are policies in place to mitigate communication differences between the deaf and hearing population. I think that if more people knew that there easy, free ways to communicate with the ASL community, there may be less separation between the two groups of hearing and deaf/hearing impaired.
*Summarized version of VRS system
https://www.nad.org/resources/technology/telephone-and-relay-services/relay-services/
https://www.fcc.gov/general/telecommunications-relay-services-trs
Comments
Hey Eli, I thought your post was really cool. I didn't know there was a way of communication for the deaf population. This is a really neat telecommunication system and I think that it is really beneficial and the method in which you received the call from your tutor sounded cool and shocking to read about.
Hi Eli, this was a great post! I was not aware that there was telecommunication relay services available for the deaf population. I'm glad that this is available to allow for better communication between you and your language partner. I also think it's amazing that you are learning sign language.
This was really interesting to read about! I also had no idea that it was possible to communicate with people who are hearing impaired by phone. It's definitely something that should be more well known and would improve communication with those who don't know ASL.