'DeafAndHardOfHearing' Deception from Sprint and HOVRS

Editor: We continue to see video relay providers impede the quest for functionally equivalent relay service for the 97% of people with hearing loss who do NOT sign by claiming that their video relay service (VRS) serves people who are DeafAndHardOfHearing. This particular press release from Sprint claims that VRS allows "a deaf or hard of hearing person to communicate freely and expressively, utilizing the linguistic richness of his or her native language."

This nonsense would be comical if it weren't so oppressive of the rights of hard of hearing and late-deafened people. Want to vent? You can email: karl.a.ewan@sprint.com

Here's the press release.

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A new and improved Sprint Video Relay Service (SprintVRS) is now available for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. Sprint (NYSE: S) recently signed a new contract with Hands On Video Relay Services, Inc. (HOVRS), a leading video relay service platform provider. With this new affiliation, Sprint will provide an innovative video relay service that will include enhanced video quality, quality interpreters, and expanded customer service. The new SprintVRS service includes -
* Enhanced video quality images
* Expert, highly qualified video interpreters
* Spanish-speaking video interpreters
* Voice Carry Over (VCO)
* 24 hours a day/7 days a week
* Phone Book
* Free domestic long distance calling

"We are pleased to work with HOVRS, a top quality video relay service provider. This is a major step forward in providing services for our customers," said Mike Ligas, director of Sprint Relay for Sprint. "With this new contract, customers will have a better quality video tovideo to see gestures, facial expressions and other physical nuances during the call, for a smoother communications experience."

"We are privileged to partner with a company like Sprint. It's exciting for us to see how a leading brand such as Sprint recognizes the strong competencies HOVRS continues to build in the quality of our interpreters, our call center management and our advanced carrier class video network," said Ed Routhier, Chairman and President of HOVRS. "Our leadership in the VRS market makes us the best partner to up hold the brand promise Sprint has made to its customers, by delivering a superior customer experience."

SprintVRS is a free service that allows the deaf and hard of hearing customers to use a videophone or web camera with a computer or laptop to connect with a qualified, certified Sprint Video Interpreter (VI). They can then use American Sign Language (ASL) and the VI will interpret the phone call with anyone they wish to contact.

By using a high-speed Internet connection, customers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use video relay services to place phone calls wherever they may find themselves: at home, at the office, in the classroom, or anywhere a high-speed Internet-connected computer with a web camera or videophone is available. Hearing callers can use a standard or wireless telephone to contact SprintVRS. SprintVRS is an alternative relay technology for a deaf or hard of hearing person to communicate freely and expressively, utilizing the linguistic richness of his or her native language. The SprintVRS Video Interpreter can relay information between the hearing and individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing in a fluid, precise, and more natural conversational style.

To access the new SprintVRS via videophone, customers will need to enter the new IP address SprintRelay.TV on their videophone. Customers can also elect to use www.sprintvrs.com to get the dedicated IP addresses for voice carry-over (VCO), Spanish and customer service as well direct telephone numbers for voice, callers and direct customer service numbers for all customers.

Sprint has 17 years of experience in providing relay services to persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind or have a speech disability to communicate with hearing persons on the phone. Sprint's experience in the field assures users of Sprint Relay receive quality service no matter what type of Relay service they are using. Relay service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no restrictions on the number of calls placed or call length. For more information, visit www.sprintrelay.com.

About Hands On Video Relay Services, Inc.

Based in Rocklin, California, HOVRS is a recognized leader in Video Relay Services throughout the country. The company has experienced over 100% growth in the last year. It is the only provider to provide video relay services on Macintosh, PC and videophones. The company has been serving the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community since 1992 when it first established Hands On Sign Language Services, Inc., a community based sign language services agency. The company is committed to removing communication barriers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals while providing quality services they can rely on. Hands On is a linguistically diverse company that employs both Deaf/Hard of Hearing and hearing employees. For more information, visit our website at www.hovrs.com.

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