AT and T: New service brings communication technology to deaf community

AT|amp|T announced Jan. 28 the introduction of AT|amp|T Video Relay Services, a Web-based service that enables the nation's estimated 28 million deaf and hard-of-hearing people to communicate with friends and family over the phone more easily by using American Sign Language.

Using a Web camera and the Internet, these customers use sign language to communicate with a nationally certified interpreter who relays the conversation over the phone in spoken language to the hearing party.

The service offers video interpretation nationwide, wherever a computer, Web cam and a high-speed Internet connection are available.

To offer the new service, AT|amp|T has contracted with Hands On Sign Language Services of Auburn, Calif., an American Sign Language interpreting company, to provide the interpretation and video relay between the communicating parties. Hands On has been providing sign language services since 1990.

AT|amp|T, a pioneer in developing and delivering communications services for people with hearing loss, will offer the new video service in addition to its Internet and traditional text telephone service, which enable a deaf or hard-of-hearing person to type messages that are read by an operator to the other party on the call.

|quot|Together, AT|amp|T and Hands On have found a way to make a major advancement in communications for this community by allowing them to communicate in their primary language American Sign Language which is grammatically different than written or spoken English,|quot| said Ronald E. Obray, president of Hands On.

Sign language users with a computer, a high-speed Internet access line (like DSL or cable modem) and a low-cost Web camera can use AT|amp|T's Video Relay Services. Free software will be available for download from AT|amp|T at www.relay.att.com/vrs that will allow deaf and hard-of-hearing people to use the Video Relay Service. Hearing people may access the service through a nationwide toll-free number, 1-888-VRS-9998.

AT|amp|T has operated AT|amp|T Telecommu-nications Relay Services for the deaf and hard of hearing for more than a decade. AT|amp|T TRS has introduced many innovations to relay service, including Operator Services for the Deaf, relay services in Spanish and special features for the speech impaired.