A Video Relay Service (VRS) is a special form of Telecommunications Relay Service that allows an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing to communicate in sign language when calling a hearing person.

The individual who is deaf or hard of hearing contacts an ASL interpreting service via a television with a videophone, a mobile device or computer with a web camera, and high-speed Internet. The caller signs his or her message to the interpreter who, in turn, relays the message by voice to the hearing individual who is using a standard telephone. Only the signing person is visible to the VRS interpreter.

The process works in reverse as well. Hearing users can initiate a VRS call by calling either a toll-free or direct number for an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing.

Like all TRS services, VRS is a free telecommunications option subsidized by the FCC.

For more information regarding VRS visit www.fcc.gov/guides/video-relay-services or www.fcc.gov/guides/internet-protocol-ip-relay-service.