March 1999

Video Interpreter Relay Trial begins in Maryland

D.

What is VRI?

VRI is an interactive video teleconferencing service that utilizes a sign language interpreter as a Video Interpreter/Operator (VIO) to relay calls between sign language users and standard phone users without the use of a TTY (text telephone). A video camera at the VIO's location transmits the VIO's image to the sign language user's location. At the same time, video equipment at the sign language user's location would transmit his/her image to a VIO. The video equipment at the user and VIO location must be compatible.

Purpose of VRI

VRI has the potential to provide telecommunications access to consumers who cannot or do not use conventional Relay. Not all people with hearing loss can use a TTY nor have the typing and language skills needed to communicate in writing. Communicating by text (typing) also limits emotional expression. It can be a very limited method of communication for deaf and hard of hearing consumers who prefer to communicate in their first language, ASL (American Sign Language). Communicating with a TTY is much slower than using ASL. Relay users, who are not comfortable or fluent in English, may find that conventional relay service could particularly cumbersome and inadequate. VRI allows a "three-dimensional" view of a conversation (emotion, expression, movement, etc.) while a TTY conversation is one-dimensional and relies on a conventional relay operator to provide background description to give a full feel for the call. VRI allows the deaf/hard of hearing users the ability to carry on a! natural and complete conversation through telecommunications.

Objective of VRI Trial.

The following are some objectives to consider during the trial to determine if VRI will become a permanent addition to the existing Maryland Relay.

1. Interest in VRI.
2. Number of calls made during the trial.
3. Cost of the service.
4. What problems were encountered and what problems cannot be overcome.
5. Availability and supply of skilled interpreters for this type of service.

VRI Trial Hours:

January 19, 1999 - July 16, 1999

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST

Tuesdays & Thursdays
Noon - 8 p.m. EST

Note: Hours of operation are subject to change and are not open on major holidays.

Public Location Guide:

Maryland VRI Trial will be accessible throughout the state in the following locations. Please call each location for directions and holiday hours.

Christ United Methodist Church for the Deaf
1040 S. Beechfield Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21229
410-455-9118 voice/TTY
Contact - Peggy Johnson
15 fps*

Developmental Services Group (DSG)
6355 Woodside Court
Columbia, MD 21046
410-381-7171 voice
410-381-4751 TTY
Contact - Tonja Trappiel
15 fps*

Hearing & Speech Agency (HASA)
2220 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
410-243-3800 voice
410-243-1275 TTY
Closed Thursdays 5 - 8 p.m.
Contact - Tina Montgomery
30 fps*

Deaf independent Living Association (DILA)
110 Baptist Street
Salisbury, MD 21803-40038
410-742-5052 voice/TTY
Contact - Howard Leonard
30 fps*

Maryland Rehabilitation Center (MRC)
2301 Argonne Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218
410-554-9155 voice/TTY
Contact - Brenda Isennock
30 fps*

National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
814 Thayer Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-587-1788 voice
301-587-1789 TTY
Closed Tuesdays and Thursdays 5 -8 p.m.
Contact - Nancy Rarus
30 fps*

Birnbaum Interpreting Services (BIS)
8555 16th Street, Suite 300
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-587-8885 voice/TTY
Contact - Mike O'Donnell
15 fps*

* Denotes that this location has 30 frames per second (fps) capability (TV-like quality) and/or 15 frames per second capability (slower).

Instead of making your calls from work or home through Marylan Relay using a TTY, try the NEW MD VRI by visiting one of the public locations near you.

For more information about the service, call 1-800-552-7724 (TTY/ Voice) or visit the Maryland Relay web site at www.mdrelay.org

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