TDI's Response to OHL Complaints

It is all about choices. It is exciting to live in a time when we now have choices in making relay calls. We can select different modes of communication, text, voice or video - or even combinations between such modes. We can also select different providers - each provider has certain strengths that may vary with different types of callers. Some people would use CapTel for certain calls and then use VRS or IP relay for other calls. Just a few years ago, we did not have much of a choice - depending on where we lived, we had to go by which vendor was contracted to do business in our state.

While TDI promotes different relay technologies, it does not endorse one over another. Because we serve several distinct constituency groups, TDI recognizes that it is not just people who are deaf and know sign language that access Video Relay Service (VRS). We know of many individuals who consider themselves hard of hearing and use sign language that benefit from VRS. TDI promotes VRS as a one of several forms of relay services that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing whose primary language is ASL use for communication purposes with their families, friends, and other contacts. Similarly, CapTel is also a viable choice for individuals who are hard of hearing, and use their voice. We also have a good number of individuals who are "proud to be deaf" and fully utilize captioned telephone. TDI has supported and will continue to support further development of captioned telephone and other similar technologies.

We do need to further clarify one other point as follows: Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires the provision of telecommunications services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, and VRS is rapidly becoming the service and technology of choice for those who use American Sign Language. Keep in mind that the ADA encourages development of relay services that incorporates new technologies. The Federal Communications Commission administers the program that supports CapTel, VRS and other telecommunications options for people with communication disabilities.