The VRSCA website has a frequently asked questions section that answers common questions, such as "what is a video relay service?" "is vrs free" and how is vrs funded?" Also on the site are current and archived news and issues regarding VRS. For example, at the time the site was visited, it had news items on E911, the routing of 911 calls by relay services.
People and organizations interested in supporting VRSCA can find names and contact information for the director and regional managers (eastern, central and western United States) on the VRSCA website. About.com interviewed VRSCA director Sharon Hayes.
Q: Whose idea was it to set up VRSCA?
A: VRSCA was first established in 2002 by Sorenson Communications with the intention of educating and empowering VRS consumers. When VRS first came out, many consumers were still "in the dark" about many issues related to VRS.
Q: Why was VRSCA founded?
A: It was founded to empower and educate consumers of VRS. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) makes decisions based on information they receive from VRS providers but not from VRS consumers. It was important to educate and encourage consumers to become knowledgeable and empowered, so they could have a "voice" on VRS issues and regulations set forth. Additionally, the FCC wants to hear from consumers.
Q: Is the VRSCA a "neutral" organization or does it take clearly stated positions on VRS issues? If you take positions, can you give me examples of current VRS issues that you have positions on?
A: VRSCA's mission is to educate and empower deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing people about Video Relay Service. VRSCA does not take positions on any issues nor does it represent any one VRS, but rather we pass on knowledge to consumers and encourage those who use VRS to become empowered.
VRSCA provides an objective environment for individuals to discuss and resolve issues that relate to VRS. For example, in 2006, seven VRS providers filed comments to [the] FCC to establish [a] fair rate and price cap so that VRS providers could take in to account costs for VRS operations. Historically, prior to 2007, VRS rates were changed every year, thereby not allowing VRS providers to be efficient in projecting the kind of services they could make available for VRS (training services for interpreters, hiring of interpreters, providing quality and efficient services for VRS consumers, etc.).
The VRSCA team of representatives attended expos and shared information with VRS consumers about issues and how decisions made by FCC would impact [the] VRS industry. By getting consumers involved, the FCC [was] able to listen to consumers' concerns and make appropriate decisions not to minimize services provided by VRS companies.
Q: Does VRSCA have any sources of financial support?
A: Currently, the VRSCA is funded by Sorenson Communications. VRSCA is comprised of deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing persons with [an] interest in making sure that consumers are educated and understand their rights and responsibility regarding VRS. Q: Does VRSCA "partner" with any established deaf and hard-of-hearing organizations? If so, which ones?
A: Not at this time, however, we do encourage organizations to support us in our endeavors to better educate and empower consumers.
Q: How can deaf consumers support VRSCA and/or get involved with VRSCA?
A: By going to VRSCA's website and educating themselves on current issues, knowing who the VRS providers are and understanding what and how they can contact their Legislature, FCC and other VRS providers.
Q: Do you have any future plans for activity, such as maybe an e-newsletter?
A: We recently updated the VRSCA website, [so] can obtain current updates as we receive them from FCC and others to be passed along to consumers. We are also available to give presentations to various organizations and events.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: The VRSCA wants to encourage every deaf, hard of hearing and hearing consumers of VRS to have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities. Today there are many options that are available to VRS consumers. An educated consumer can now make the best decision and choices to meet their VRS needs. We will continue to provide unbiased and nonpartisan views on current VRS needs and issues that will impact the VRS industry. Deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers have waited a long time to receive functionally equivalent service, and this is their opportunity to be better empowered and to let FCC hear from them. Go to [the] vrsca.org website for more information.
Guide comment: Obviously, being dependent on Sorenson Communications as a sole source of funding may influence VRSCA actions. Perhaps in the future there can be multiple sources of funding, or an alternative organization may be established. For now, this organization is filling an informational/empowerment need for VRS consumers. There is a list of VRS providers on the Community Resources tab. It is not a comprehensive list; not all known VRS providers are listed, only the ones that are "FCC authorized." There is a more comprehensive listing on the TDI website.
