One of the newest Virginia Relay features, Video Relay Service (VRS) makes it possible for sign language users to converse in their native language with the person they’re calling. With this feature, users can express real emotions and feelings (similar to a person-to-person conversation) and benefit from increased communication speed.
Required equipment and connections
To use VRS, you must have an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
VRS also requires certain communications and connection equipment, depending on the provider you select (see list below). This equipment may include a television, broadband or DSL connection, a PC, videophone or Web camera.
Try VRS FREE!
Stop by one of our VRS Demo Rooms, located in various cities across Virginia, to experience VRS for yourself! All calls are FREE (local and long-distance), and staff members will be available to assist you. While walk-ins are welcome, we recommend calling ahead to reserve a VRS station. Children must be accompanied by a parent.
Demo Rooms are open during normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For the Demo Room nearest you, call 1-800-552-7917 (voice/TTY).
Coming January 2009: Ten-Digit Phone Numbers for VRS Users!
By January 1, 2009, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will have a ten-digit phone numbering system in place for all VRS users.
With ten-digit dialing, VRS users will be able to:
- Make an emergency call via VRS. Your ten-digit number and location information will automatically route to the nearest emergency center. (Currently, emergency calls from VRS users lack key identifying data and typically need to be rerouted.)
- Receive calls directly from voice users.
- Dial VRS users directly.
- Switch providers at any time and keep the same telephone number.
Visit www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/trstendigit.html for more information.
NOTE:
In the meantime, please use a TTY or standard phone to dial 9-1-1 in an event of an emergency.
Here’s a list of VRS providers and contact information:
AT&T VRS
- IP address: ATTVRS.TV
- Hearing callers: Dial 1-888-VRS-9998
- Additional features: vSoft (downloadable computer program), Web-based VRS, personal phonebook
- For more information: www.relaycall.com/VideoPhone
CACVRS
- IP address: CACVRS.TV
- Hearing callers: Dial 1-866-500-9662
- Additional features: Web-based VRS, Nextalk (downloadable program through NXi Communications and URelay)
- For more information: www.cacvrs.org
CSDVRS
- IP address: CSDVRS.TV
- Hearing callers: Dial 1-800-538-9881
- Additional features: Web-based VRS, VRS call back
- For more information: www.csdvrs.com
Federal VRS
** For federal employees, active or retired military, veterans, federally recognized Indian tribes and authorized federal contractors ONLY**
- IP address: FEDVRS.TV
- Hearing callers: Dial 1-877-709-5797
- Additional features: VRS mail, Spanish VRS
- For more information: www.myfedvrs.us
Hamilton VRS
- IP address: HAMILTONVRS.TV
- Hearing callers: 866-498-4777
- Additional features: Web-based VRS, video mail
- For more information: www.hamiltonnationalrelay.com
Hands On VRS
- IP address: HOVRS.TV
- Hearing callers: Dial 1-877-467-4877 (English) or 1-877-467-4875 (Spanish)
- Additional features: Web-based VRS, Spanish VRS, instant messaging, Videosign (downloadable computer program), Widget for Mac users, personal phone book
- For more information: www.hovrs.com
Hawk Relay VRS
- IP address: HAWKRELAY.TV
- For more information: www.hawkrelay.com
i711 VRS
- IP address: I711.COM
- Web-based VRS only
- Additional features: VRS notepad (for numbers and hard-to-spell information)
- For more information: www.i711.com
IP-VRS
- IP address: TV.IPVRS.COM
- Additional features: Web-based VRS
- For more information: www.ip-vrs.com
Lifelinks VRS
- IP address: 69.18.207.166 or 38.98.86.70
- Additional features: Sightspeed (downloadable computer program), Spanish VRS
- For more information: www.lifelinksvrs.com
Snap!VRS
- IP address: SNAPVRS.COM
- Hearing callers: Dial 1-877-711-SNAP
- Additional features: Free Ojo videophone when you sign up for Snap!VRS
- For more information: www.snapvrs.com
Sorenson VRS
- IP address: SVRS.TV
- Hearing callers: Dial 1-866-327-8877
- Additional features: VP-100 and VP-200 videophones, EnVision (downloadable computer program), customized NetMeeting feature, 911 direct calling capabilities
- For more information: www.sorensonvrs.com
Sprint VRS
- IP address: SPRINTRELAY.TV, HELP.SPRINTRELAY.TV (customer service) or ESPANOL.SPRINTRELAY.TV (Spanish VRS)
- Hearing callers: Dial 1-866-410-5787
- Additional features: MySprintVRS Number, SprintVRS Mail, Spanish VRS
- For more information: www.sprintvrs.com
Viable VRS
- IP address: VIABLEVRS.TV
Additional features: PC videoconferencing program, video hold message
- For more information: www.viable.net/vrs