A Video Relay Service (VRS) has launched that lets deaf and hard of hearing Canadians who use American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ) to conduct calls through video with a professional ASL or LSQ interpreter.
Users can access the VRS system through their computer, tablet or smartphone using a high-speed internet connection. When they place their call, an interpreter appears on the device’s screen. They can then sign to the interpreter, who speaks the message to the recipient. When the recipient responds, the interpreter relays back the message to the user in ASL or LSQ.
The service was launched by the Canadian Administrator of VRS (CAV), a non-profit created in 2014 with a mandate from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) following an 18-month trial ran by Telus in Alberta and British Columbia. The results of the pilot, said Telus, indicated strongly that participants found the service much preferable to traditional text-based systems.
The CRTC estimates that there are as many as 20,000 Canadians who will use the service.
“The implementation of the Video Relay Service will have a concrete and positive impact on the lives of Canadians who are Deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired,” stated CRTC Chairman Jean-Pierre Blais.
“The CRTC appreciates all the efforts put forth to ensure the success of this new service. This initiative illustrates strongly Canada’s vision for an inclusive society which values equality of opportunity.”
Those who are interested can register online at SRV Canada VRS’ website, where they will receive a special 10-digit phone number.
Related: CRTC releases interactive map of Canadian emergency alert broadcasters
[source]SRV Canada VRS[/source]
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