Pinky tells the Real Story about VRS "DEAF BLIND"

http://www.seattledbsc.org

What is a Communication Facilitator (CF)?

A CF is a skilled signer who "copies" any sign language from a caller on the screen of a videophone (VP) and provides visual information to Deaf-Blind person when he/she makes VRS and/or Face to Face calls with another signer. We provide Deaf-Blind persons a brief training on how to use a CF prior to making any VP calls. In addition, if Deaf-Blind person is not familiar on how to make a VP call, DBSC provides an extensive training on how to use the VP at DBSC. This can benefit a Deaf-Blind person in many ways allowing them to freely expressing themselves in their own language and communicating directly without worrying about English as their second language.

In the last decade, the dynamics of being able to connect with Deaf community has changed as VP's have overtaken the TTY as the main mode of communication (click for more info on TTY's). Also, many hearing people are still not familiar about how to contact Deaf-Blind people through relay service on Telebraille (more info about Telebraille here) as it is very time consuming during turn taking. Access to VPs for Deaf-Blind persons is very important, allowing them remain connected with society.

What is VRS?
Video Relay Service or VRS is a service that provides ASL translation for a Deaf-Blind or Deaf person through the use of a videophone whereby a Deaf individual using sign language calls a Video Relay Interpreter (VRI) who interprets between the caller and a voice user. Video relay services are provided by various companies, CallVRS, ZVRS, SnapVRS, IWRelay, WIN.tv, Convo, BISVRS, Sprint, MCI, purple, Hamilton VRS, CSD, and other VRS providers. (More) http://www.seattledbsc.org/

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Deaf
• Blind
• Communication
• Facilitator
• CF

[bennymcfarlane]

hehe. nice.

[Baachoo143]

I LOVED the way it was explained so clearly. with a touch of humor. A little concerned that people will think that VRS interpreters are really that "arrogant". as a vrs intepreter I understood the sarcasm. But those with less experience may think we are that way.

[DeafpowerHB]

löl fun good info

[eenavratil]

That's Jackie Morris ! She looks so good on screen! Good job of explaining how this works for DB ! We have this service in Washington State !

[ttirremerritt]

FUTE!!!!

[brycbul]

Very good show!  I really like this! :-)