Showing posts with label FedVRS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FedVRS. Show all posts

Monday, April 12, 2010

Why is Federal Video Relay Service (VRS) closed on the weekends???

Interestingly enough, I tried to make a call using myfedvrs.tv yesterday (on Sunday). Much to my surprise, it was closed! I am a little bit confused. If the government is supposed to be accessible 24/7, then why is their Video Relay Services only open from 7am to 11pm ET M-F (excluding Federal holidays)? Isn't that sending a misleading message to America?


Nevertheless, I tried again today (Monday) and made the call to myfedvrs.tv. I got a middle aged female who looked quite professional. She gave me the impression that she was a high-caliber interpreter. As the conversation began, she had her mouth closed and signed pure ASL. Now that was a first!  Very few people can sign pure ASL with their mouth closed. That was neat to see. However, I cannot say the same about her voicing skills. She kept missing my fingerspelling and  also a few of my signs. She never bothered to double check with me. Instead, she just apologized to the friend that I called, and said "Interpreter error" and continued interpreting. Now I thought that was unprofessional. I think every interpreter should ALWAYS double check with the clients regardless. My hearing friend agreed, the conversation was confusing at times.

Anyhow, they have a clean and simple website. Easy to navigate.  They offer a 10-digit number, Spanish VRS, a  software you can download to your PC or MAC, and VCO. They do not do VRI, IP-relay, or captel.
  • ASL Video users : myfedvrs.tv
  • Spanish Videophone users: espanol.myfedvrs.tv
  • Videophone users : vco.myfedvrs.tv
Additionally, they do offer something special that I do not know any other VRS  provider has and that is ISDN. You can use your ISDN to call their VRS.
  • Non-emergency: 877.709.5798
  • 911/Emergency: 877.646.7441
  • (NEW) Hearing Callers: 877.709.5801
Lastly, it seems myFedVRS is owned by Sprint??? In fact, when I called yesterday, a message appeared, "Sorry, we are closed. Please call Sprint"... Isn't that misleading? I emailed them a few times and never got a response.

Next VRS Provider: Snap!VRS