Funding AT for Telecommunications

Technology helps people with disabilities to make phone calls in a variety of ways: through a standard phone line, wireless service, or internet service connection—by voice, text or sign language. Specialized telephone equipment can amplify volume, use different alerting signals (to make users aware of incoming calls), provide oversized buttons, and send (and receive) text through Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) to communicate with phone users who do not have TTYs. Computers, videophones, Web cams, and wireless mobile devices connect people who are deaf or hard of hearing to each other and, with the help of relay services, to hearing users. People with physical and/or speech disabilities also make use of relay services and specialized equipment.

 

Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) are free to all users. The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) require that telephone companies provide relay services so that telephone access for people with disabilities is “functionally equivalent” to the access available to people without disabilities. Interstate TRS are provided by each long distance carrier, and each carrier is reimbursed through the Interstate Telecommunications TRS Fund (which they pay into). In 2002, Video Relay Services (VRS) became reimbursable by the Fund in addition to “traditional” relay and, as result, VRS providers are now multiplying quickly. In addition, each state contracts a TRS provider to provide in-state TRS via 711.

 

Learn more at the FCC’s Web site, the Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT) Web site, and at the Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Web site.

Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program (MassEDP)

The Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program (MassEDP) is run by Verizon. Equipment is distributed through a network of 16 local providers of services to people with disabilities. Anyone with a verifiable disability can access specialized equipment free of charge or at reduced cost depending on the applicant’s household income. To apply you do not need to be a Verizon customer, but you do need a standard land-line phone service provider (Vonage customers are not eligible because they do not pay into the Interstate Telecommunications Fund). Once in the program, your equipment is maintained, repaired or replaced at no cost for life, so long as you do not dispose of the original equipment. If broken equipment is thrown away, you will have to reapply to the program and possibly pay another co-pay to replace the device.

Who May be Eligible:

To be eligible for free or reduced-cost equipment you must:

• be a resident of Massachusetts;
• have access to residential telephone service (land line);
• have your disability verified by a MA licensed physician or audiologist;
• complete an application (at www.massedp.com) and submit it for certification to the appropriate state disabilities agency (the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing or the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind or the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission).

How are Services Provided?

MassEDP mails applicants acceptance letters once the application has been approved by the relevant state agency (of disability services). Applicants are then referred to a local service provider (agent) who provides appropriate equipment. If you have a mobility impairment, a cognitive disability, or are legally blind, the agent will provide a home visit to demonstrate and install the equipment for you. If you have low vision, are deaf or hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, you will go to your local provider to test and select appropriate equipment.

What AT Services are Provided?

MassEDP provides specialized telephone/TTY equipment (for use with standard land-line phone service) at no cost to applicants whose household income is below $50,000/year (adjusted upwards according to the number of household dependents). Households with incomes above this threshold receive equipment valued under $100 for free or pay a co-pay of 1/3 the cost of the equipment if it is a more costly item. Equipment demonstration and technical assistance are provided by local agents. Maintenance, repair, and replacement services are provided at no cost so long as you do not dispose of your original equipment provided through the program. Membership is for life.

Contact:

Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program
800-300-5658 Voice/TTY
Mon - Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm
www.massedp.com
MAEDP@Verizon.com

Sorenson Communications: VP-100 or VP-200 videophone

Sorenson Communications (based in Salt Lake City, Utah) distributes its videophones nationwide and free of charge to people who are deaf or hard of hearing and primarily use sign language to communicate. Videophones are used with a television and broad band internet connection (minimum of 256K connection) to link people with disabilities to each other and—through a video relay service (VRS)—to standard phone users. Until recently the Sorenson videophones worked exclusively with Sorenson’s VRS, but in May of 2006 the FCC released a “VRS Interoperability Order” directing all VRS providers to allow their customers to make and receive VRS calls through any VRS provider. The videophones are now “interoperable.”

Who May be Eligible?

Deaf or hard of hearing people who primarily use sign language to communicate can apply for a free videophone. Hearing people who use sign language to communicate with the deaf community are not eligible for Sorenson videophones and the products are not available for purchase. Hearing consumers can purchase the D-Link i2eye videophone (for about $250) or a compatible Web cam (for use with a PC) in order to communicate with VP-100 and VP-200 users.

How are AT Services Provided?

Sorenson processes applications (available from their Web site: www.sorenson.com) and connects applicants to a local installer. Due to the high demand for the free Sorenson VRS equipment/videophone, it can sometimes take several weeks for the videophone to be installed.

What AT is Provided?

Applicants may receive either the VP-100 or VP-200 (learn about them at www.sorenson.com), plus training and installation. Sorenson is in the process of testing and distributing the new VP-200 on a limited basis; distribution is dependent on supply and the availability of a provider for installation. The new VP-200 is desirable because it incorporates a visual caller ID feature (VP-200 users can assign a unique light signaling pattern for incoming calls), a call waiting and hold feature, and a pan/tilt/zoom feature that allows users to remain seated while adjusting the camera lens. This last feature is especially useful for people with mobility challenges. Be sure to mention if you have a mobility challenge in your application.

Contact:

www.sorenson.com
(866)877-9826 TTY
(801)287-9400 Voice
(801)287-9495 FAX (ATTN: Tech Support)

Videophone: (801)287-9403
Please hold until a technician answers.
If you hang up, you will be disconnected.

Sorenson Technical Support Department
4393 South Riverboat Road Suite 300
Salt Lake City, UT 84123

Hands On VRS/Go America: Mac iSight, PC Web cam, or DLink i2eye videophone

Hands On VRS (which merged with Go America) offers a choice of equipment to individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech disability if they use sign language and intend to use the Hands On VRS (HOVRS) service. The equipment is compatible with any VRS provider, but the application requires that the equipment be used with the HOVRS service on an ongoing basis and that the equipment remain the property of HOVRS.

Who May be Eligible?

To be eligible for free loaner equipment you must:

• be deaf or hard of hearing or have a speech disability and agree to use of Hands On VRS on an ongoing basis.
• have a broad band internet service and appropriate computer or television equipment to make the cameras work.
• complete an application at: https://secure.hovrs.com/equipment/requestform.aspx

What AT is Provided?

The iSight Web cam for the Macintosh, a PC Web cam (unspecified model), and the D-Link i2eye videophone (for use with a television) are available on a loaner basis at no cost.

Contact:

www.hovrs.com
help@hovrs.com
(877) 885-4976 TTY
(877) 885-3172 Voice
4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST Mon.-Fri.
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST Sat. and Sun.

CSDVRS: D-Link i2eye videophone

CSDVRS (corporate headquarters in Clearwater, Florida) distributes free D-Link i2eye videophones to legal US residents who are deaf or hard of hearing. CSDVRS also advertises that they will go to schools and businesses to offer the service, including training and installation.                        

Who May be Eligible?

To be eligible for a free videophone you must:

• be deaf or hard of hearing
• have a high speed internet connection
• be a legal resident of the United States
• not already own a videophone (it’s okay to have a Web cam)
• complete an application at http://csdvrs.com/vrs/freevp.aspx

What AT is Provided?

The D-Link i2eye plus training and installation are provided.

How are Services Provided?

Once your application is reviewed and approved, CSDVRS sends an agent to your home for installation and training.

Contact:

www.csdvrs.com
help@csdvrs.com

CSDVRS Customer Service:
100 North Krohn Place
Sioux Falls, SD 57013
(866) 251-8274 TTY
(707) 210-1452 FAX
(800) 296-3808 Voice

VP: help.csdvrs.tv

Mondays through Fridays
8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST

Snap!VRS: the Ojo videophone

Snap!VRS is distributing free Ojo PVP 900 videophones (and routers) to US residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech disability.

Who May be Eligible?

To be eligible for a free Ojo PVP 900 and a router, you must:

• be a new Snap!VRS customer
• be a U.S. citizen
• be deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability
• use sign language to communicate
• have a valid telephone number (or Snap!VRS will provide you with one)
• have access to a broad band internet service. Snap!VRS recommends a minimum connection speed of 256 Kbps
• have a valid address for receiving 911 emergency services and package deliveries (i.e. P.O. boxes are not accepted)
• be at least 18 years old or have the approval of a parent or guardian
• complete an application at http://snapvrs.com/deaf/apply/

What AT is Provided?

One Ojo PVP 900 and one router are available to eligible applicants. In-home installation and training are not available.

The Ojo videophone and service is different from other VRS options. The Ojo does not require a television (it has its own screen), and it works as a wireless device, allowing users to make calls wherever a high speed internet connection is available. Ojos can also make unlimited international calls to other Ojo users. 

Hearing people may purchase an Ojo ($299 for the 900 model), but they must also pay a $14.95/month or $164/year service fee (as of 09/07). The Ojo holds 20 minutes of video voice mail. The Ojo can be programmed to recognize your current telephone number or the same number as a non-Ojo VP used on the same network. Ojo VPs also support single line “voice carry over,” and may be used to call or receive calls from non-Ojo videophones and Web cams.

How are AT Services Provided?

Applications are available at www.snapvrs.com/deaf/apply/. Once an application is approved and an Ojo is available, a shipment notification email is sent. Snap!VRS reports that due to the large volume of applicants, there is a long waiting list for the equipment. Ojo VPs and routers are mailed with a “quick start” guide and ASL video instructions. In-home installation and training services are not available.

Contact:

www.snapvrs.com
info@snapvrs.com
Snap Telecommunications, Inc.
1 Blue Hill Plaza, 14th Floor
P.O. Box 1626
Pearl River, NY 10965
(845) 652-7109 FAX
VP: ask.snapvrs.com
Ojo: 711-SNAP (7627)

TTY-based TRS is a free service that relays phone calls to and from people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled through the use of a “text telephone” (TTY) device and a relay operator. TRS is provided by each long distance carrier through a toll-free number (contact them directly), and within each state by dialing 711. In Massachusetts, 711 relay access is currently provided by Sprint. (Learn more at www.massrelay.com).

Who May be Eligible

Anyone can call 711 or any other TRS service at no charge.

How are Services Provided?

By dialing 711 on a TTY or standard telephone, deaf users are connected to a relay operator, also known as a Communications Assistant (CA). Like 411 for information, 711 is available nationwide; it connects callers to their local state TRS provider. In Massachusetts the service is known as MassRelay and is provided by Sprint. Nationwide 711 relay works with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) providers as well as wireless and standard phone-line service carriers. There are some multi-lingual relay operators available.

When a person with a hearing or speech disability initiates a TRS call, the person uses a TTY or other text device to call 711 (or other TRS toll free number) and then types the number of the party he or she is calling. The CA places the outbound voice call to that person and the CA then relays communication, converting voice to text and text to voice between the two parties. The text is read on a display screen or paper printout. The text user types “GA” for “Go Ahead” when he or she is ready for a response, and “SK” to close a conversation. CAs must relay calls verbatim unless a user requests something different. CAs are required to abide by the confidentiality rules outlined by the FCC in Section 705 of the Communications Act (and outlined in the TRS rules 47 C.F.R. § 64.604). Mandatory minimum standards can be found at: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/4regs.html.

Hearing callers may dial 711 and provide the CA their party’s 10 digit TTY number and other important information they may want to convey (their name and name of the party they are calling). The hearing caller says “Go Ahead” when he or she is ready for a response.

What Services are Provided?

The following additional services are provided in conjunction with TTY-based relay:

• Voice Carry Over (VCO): this type of TRS allows a person who does not hear well, but can speak for themselves to use her or her own voice and directly speak to the called party, while still receiving text from the CA. “Late Deafened” individuals, such as senior citizens often prefer this service.
• VCO to VCO: this service allows two deaf parties who speak for themselves to call one another through the use of a CA. The CA types the conversation, and the deaf callers read the text, and voice their responses.
• Hearing Carry Over (HCO): this type of TRS is useful for people with speech disabilities who can hear well. He or she can listen to the called party and type his or her part of the conversation on a TTY. The CA voices their text.
• Speech-to-Speech (STS) Relay: this type of TRS enables persons with a speech disability to make telephone calls using their own voice (or an assistive voice device). A CA who is specially trained to understand speech disorders re-voices what the caller says to be more understandable to the called party. No special telephone is required, as no typing is necessary. Some long distance carriers have separate 800 numbers for STS TRS.
• Spanish language TRS: Spanish speaking CAs are available for TRS. Some long distance carriers have separate 800 numbers for Spanish TRS.
• MassRelay CAs are trained to allow callers to place direct dial, third party, collect and calling card calls.
• 900 # calling is available.
• Callers may use their personal choice of long distance carrier for toll calls.
• Callers may also register their user preferences with MassRelay and stipulate what long distance carrier and services he or she prefers.
• 911 dialing is not recommended for TRS. Callers are encouraged to maintain a land line and a TTY to dial 911 directly in case of an emergency.

Contact:

www.massrelay.com

To make a relay call:
711 Voice/TTY
(800) 439-2370 TTY only
(800) 439-0183 Voice only
(800) 439-0183 STS

For MassRelay customer service:
(800) 720-3480 TTY
(800) 720-3479 Voice 

For TRS Complaints:
Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable
One South Station, Boston MA 02110
(617) 305-3531 Voice
(800) 392-6066 Voice
(617) 478-2591 FAX
(800) 323-3298 TTY
E-mail: consumer.complaints@state.ma.us

Click here for a list of national relay providers including providers of traditional relay.

Computers with any form of internet access can also make use of IP (“Internet Protocol”)-Relay services, allowing anyone who can create text on their computer (including those with speech and/or physical disabilities) to have that text converted to speech over a traditional phone line and speech converted to text using a “Communication Assistant” (CA). Wireless service providers and Instant Messaging software also make IP-Relay possible to those who use mobile devices. The service is not required by the FCC, but numerous TRS and VRS providers are offering IP-Relay.

IP-Relay from mobile devices and computers has meant that deaf and hard of hearing callers no longer have to find a TTY to make a text relay phone call. In addition, VRS users can simultaneously make use of IP-Relay (through the same provider) to send and receive information that is best detailed as text for the sake of accuracy (such as airline reservation numbers and other data). These calls are also free. There is no way to determine the point of origin for billing, and so IP-Relay users pay nothing beyond their internet service provider charges (ISP) to communicate with standard phone users. Mobile device charges may apply, however.

Who Uses IP-Relay?

Anyone with a disability who uses text to communicate can make use of this free service to reach standard phone users. Hearing callers can also use the service to reach IP-Relay users by dialing a toll free number and providing the CA (communication assistant) the person’s screen name or IP address (the person they are calling must be logged in on a computer or mobile device, in order to receive the call).

IP-Relay is particularly useful for deaf users needing to place a phone call while on the road. In the absence of a standard phone line and a TTY, IP-Relay is available so long as their wireless device has a signal.

IP-Relay also has advantages over traditional relay for people with low vision. Computer users can adjust the screen for a larger text display area, adjust text sizes and colors for easier reading, and conversations may be printed or saved. In addition, users can provide up-front call instructions to the CA (i.e. CAs can type at a slower speed if needed).  

How are Services Provided?

IP-Relay provides the same service as traditional TTY-based relay, but uses a broad band or dial up internet connection instead of a phone line. The service makes use of either the company’s own software (available for download) or AIM or MSN Messenger. Users reach a CA on their computer screen or mobile device and provide the number they are calling and any other calling instructions. The CA relays text to speech and speech to text to facilitate the call.

What Services are Provided?

• text to speech and speech to text relay services are available in English and Spanish (most providers).
• HCO and VCO are generally available if the user also has 2 phone lines w/3 way conferencing capability; this means a person with a speech disability may choose HCO to directly hear the person they are calling, but still use text to communicate, and a person who speaks but does not hear may use VCO to communicate with their own voice.
• Mail options, address books, and other special features are advertised by different providers seeking to distinguish their IP-Relay services. Shop around!
• Unlike traditional relay, 900 number toll calls are NOT available (since IP-Relay calls are not billed to you).
• Calls within continental US and territories are free.
• 911 dialing is not recommended for relay. Callers are encouraged to maintain a land line and a TTY to dial 911 directly in case of an emergency.

Contact:

Click here for a list of national relay providers including providers of IP-Relay.

Broad band internet has enabled videophones (with a TV) and Web cams (with a computer) to directly link sign language users to each other and, through the use of video relay services (VRS), to link sign language users and speech readers with hearing phone users.  VRS providers employ “Video Interpreters” (VI) to relay communication. As with specialized telephone equipment, videophones and Web cams are available free for people w/specific disabilities (although waiting lists can be long). VRS calls are also free.

Who Uses VRS?

People who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability and rely on sign language to communicate use VRS to reach hearing phone users. Hearing people use VRS to reach people with disabilities who communicate through manual sign language. The service is free for all users. Calls are free so long as they are within the U.S. Outbound international calling is available, but toll charges apply.

How are Services Provided?

VRS providers employ “Video Interpreters” (VIs) to relay communication. The FCC requires that VIs are “qualified.” Some companies require national certification and/or state-level screenings. Others utilize their own screening standards to determine who they employ (you may wish to shop around).

People with disabilities access VRS with videophones (and a TV) or Web cams (and a computer). Callers provide the VI the phone number of the hearing party they are seeking to reach and the VI calls the hearing party on a standard phone line. Hearing callers dial a VRS toll free number to reach a VI and provide the IP address of the party they are seeking to reach. In both cases the VI interprets between speech and sign language to facilitate communication.

VIs are required to abide by the confidentiality rules outlined by the FCC in Section 705 of the Communications Act (and outlined in the TRS rules 47 C.F.R. § 64.604). Mandatory minimum standards can be found at: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/4regs.html.

What Services are Provided?

• Sign language to speech (English or Spanish) and speech to a sign language relay. Some providers are still working on providing the Spanish language service (an FCC requirement). Others have call centers in Puerto Rico and other locations. LifeLinksVRS is the only provider advertising relay available in multiple languages (Spanish, Russian, etc).
• HCO and VCO are generally available if you also have 2 phone lines w/3 way conferencing capability; this means a person with a speech disability may choose HCO to directly hear the person they are calling, but still use text to communicate, and a person who speaks but does not hear may use VCO to communicate with their own voice. The Ojo videophone has a 1 line VCO option (available through Snap!VRS).
• Video mail options, address books, personal 800 numbers, and other special features are advertised by different VRS providers seeking to distinguish their services. Shop around!
• Many VRS providers also have an IP-Relay service and can provide simultaneous text communication with VRS.  This makes conveying certain kinds of information much easier (like data that require a high level of accuracy).
• Unlike traditional relay, 900 number toll calls are NOT available (since VRS calls are not billed to users).
• 911 dialing is not recommended for VRS relay. Callers are encouraged to maintain a land line and a TTY to dial 911 directly in case of an emergency.

Contact:

National Relay Providers (TRS, VRS, IP-Relay):

AT&T

Communication Access Center

CSDVRS

Federal Relay Service

Hamilton

Hands On VRS

Hawk Relay

i711 (Go America)

Lifelinks

Snap VRS

Sorenson

Sprint

Verizon