Guide to Free Telecommunications Equipment and Relay Services
This guide offers details on how individuals with disabilities can access free telecommunications equipment and relay services. As technology, services, and providers continue to change, please contact us if you have updates that should be included here.
MassMATCH and the U.S. Department of Education do not endorse, guarantee, or make any claims about the products, devices, or information featured on this site. Neither organization has tested or reviewed the listed products or devices.
Overview: Technology and Relay Services
Advances in technology have made it possible for individuals with disabilities to communicate over the phone in a variety of ways—using standard phone lines, wireless services, or internet connections—with voice, text, or sign language. Specialized phones can amplify sound, use different alerts for incoming calls, include large buttons, and support text communication through Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) for users without TTY devices.
Computers, videophones, webcams, and mobile devices help deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals connect with each other and, with relay services, communicate with hearing users. People with physical or speech disabilities also use relay services and specialized telecom equipment to communicate.
Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) are available at no cost to users. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and regulations from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), phone companies are required to offer relay services so that people with disabilities have access to telephone services that are “functionally equivalent” to what is available to those without disabilities.
Each long-distance carrier provides TRS and is reimbursed through the Interstate Telecommunications TRS Fund, which is funded by all carriers.
Since 2002, Video Relay Services (VRS) have also qualified for reimbursement through the fund, resulting in significant growth in VRS providers alongside traditional TRS. In addition, every state contracts with a TRS provider to offer in-state relay services, which can be reached by dialing 711.
Learn more at the FCC’s Web site, the Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT) Web site, and at the Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Web site.
Free or low cost accessible telephone and/or TTY equipment
Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program (MassEDP)
The Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program (MassEDP) is operated by Verizon and provides specialized telecommunications equipment through a network of 16 local service providers for individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants can receive equipment free of charge or at a reduced cost based on household income. You do not need to be a Verizon customer to apply, but you must have a standard landline telephone service. Vonage customers are not eligible since they do not contribute to the Interstate Telecommunications Fund.
Once enrolled, your equipment is maintained, repaired, or replaced at no cost for life, as long as you do not dispose of the original device. If the equipment is discarded, you must reapply and may have to pay a new co-pay for a replacement.
Who May Be Eligible
To qualify for free or reduced-cost equipment, you must be a Massachusetts resident, have access to residential landline telephone service, have a disability verified by a licensed Massachusetts physician or audiologist, and complete an application at www.massedp.com. The application must be submitted for certification to the appropriate state disability agency, such as the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, or the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
How Are Services Provided
MassEDP mails acceptance letters once an application is approved by the relevant state agency. Applicants are then referred to a local service provider who supplies the appropriate equipment. If you have a mobility impairment, cognitive disability, or are legally blind, the provider will conduct a home visit to demonstrate and install the equipment. If you have low vision, are deaf or hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, you will visit your local provider to test and select the most suitable equipment.
What AT Services Are Provided
MassEDP provides specialized telephone and TTY equipment for use with standard landline phone service at no cost to applicants whose household income is below $50,000 per year, with adjustments based on the number of dependents. Households earning above this threshold receive equipment valued under $100 for free, while more expensive equipment requires a co-pay of one-third of the cost. Equipment demonstrations and technical assistance are provided by local agents, and maintenance, repair, and replacement services are available at no cost as long as the original equipment is retained. Membership in the program is lifelong.
Contact:
Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program
800-300-5658 Voice/TTY
Mon – Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm
www.massedp.com
MAEDP@Verizon.com
Project Independence: 9-1-1 for Everyone
This privately-funded program is providing low-income people with disabilities who are residents of Boston, Brookline, and Newton (and surrounding areas) with free emergency-only cell phones. The phones will connect with 911 emergency services only.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone who has a doctor’s letter confirming a disability or is a recipient of SSDI, SSI, or Mass Rehabilitation Commission services qualifies. Income eligibility is somewhat flexible.
What AT is Provided?
A cell phone from Cell Tech. The phone works only to call 911 and cannot be used for paid phone services.
Contact:
Boston:
617-338-6665 (Karen Schneiderman, Boston Center for Independent Living)
Newton:
617-277-5131 (Donna Suskawicz, founding director, Irving K. Zola Center)
Brookline:
617-730-2414 (Officer Ron McNeil, Brookline Police)
email: zolacenter@juno.com
Free videophones and Web cams
Sorenson Communications: VP-100 and VP-200 Videophones
Sorenson Communications, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, distributes videophones nationwide at no cost to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and primarily use sign language to communicate. These videophones connect to a television and require a broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 256K. They allow users to communicate with each other and, through video relay service (VRS), with standard phone users.
Originally, Sorenson videophones worked only with Sorenson’s VRS. In May 2006, however, the FCC issued a VRS Interoperability Order, requiring all VRS providers to allow their users to place and receive VRS calls through any provider. As a result, Sorenson videophones are now fully interoperable.
Who May Be Eligible
Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and primarily communicate using sign language can apply for a free videophone. Hearing individuals who use sign language to engage with the deaf community are not eligible, and Sorenson videophones are not available for sale. Hearing users who want to communicate with VP-100 or VP-200 users can purchase a D-Link i2eye videophone (about $250) or a compatible webcam for use with a PC.
How Are AT Services Provided
Sorenson processes applications, which are available on their website at www.sorenson.com, and connects approved applicants with a local installer. Because of high demand for Sorenson’s free VRS equipment and videophones, installation may take several weeks.
What AT Is Provided
Eligible applicants may receive either the VP-100 or the VP-200 (more details available at www.sorenson.com), along with installation and training. Sorenson is currently testing and distributing the VP-200 on a limited basis, depending on supply and the availability of a local provider for installation. The VP-200 is especially sought after because it includes visual caller ID (users can assign a unique light signal pattern for incoming calls), call waiting and hold functions, and a pan/tilt/zoom camera that allows users to adjust the lens without getting up. This last feature is particularly helpful for individuals with mobility limitations. Be sure to mention any mobility challenges in your application.
Contact:
www.sorenson.com
(866)877-9826 TTY
(801)287-9400 Voice
(801)287-9495 FAX (ATTN: Tech Support)
Videophone: (801)287-9403
Please hold until a technician answers.
If you hang up, you will be disconnected.
Sorenson Technical Support Department
4393 South Riverboat Road Suite 300
Salt Lake City, UT 84123
Hands On VRS/Go America: Mac iSight, PC Web cam, or DLink i2eye videophone
Hands On VRS (which merged with Go America) offers a choice of equipment to individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech disability if they use sign language and intend to use the Hands On VRS (HOVRS) service. The equipment is compatible with any VRS provider, but the application requires that the equipment be used with the HOVRS service on an ongoing basis and that the equipment remain the property of HOVRS.
Who May be Eligible?
To be eligible for free loaner equipment you must:
- be deaf or hard of hearing or have a speech disability and agree to use of Hands On VRS on an ongoing basis.
- have a broad band internet service and appropriate computer or television equipment to make the cameras work.
- complete an application at: https://secure.hovrs.com/equipment/requestform.aspx
What AT is Provided?
The iSight Web cam for the Macintosh, a PC Web cam (unspecified model), and the D-Link i2eye videophone (for use with a television) are available on a loaner basis at no cost.
Contact:
www.hovrs.com
help@hovrs.com
(877) 885-4976 TTY
(877) 885-3172 Voice
4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST Mon.-Fri.
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST Sat. and Sun.
CSDVRS: D-Link i2eye videophone
CSDVRS (corporate headquarters in Clearwater, Florida) distributes free D-Link i2eye videophones to legal US residents who are deaf or hard of hearing. CSDVRS also advertises that they will go to schools and businesses to offer the service, including training and installation.
Who May be Eligible?
To be eligible for a free videophone you must:
- be deaf or hard of hearing
- have a high speed internet connection
- be a legal resident of the United States
- not already own a videophone (it’s okay to have a Web cam)
- complete an application at http://csdvrs.com/vrs/freevp.aspx
What AT is Provided?
The D-Link i2eye plus training and installation are provided.
How are Services Provided?
Once your application is reviewed and approved, CSDVRS sends an agent to your home for installation and training.
Contact:
www.csdvrs.com
help@csdvrs.com
CSDVRS Customer Service:
100 North Krohn Place
Sioux Falls, SD 57013
(866) 251-8274 TTY
(707) 210-1452 FAX
(800) 296-3808 Voice
VP: help.csdvrs.tv
Mondays through Fridays
8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST
Snap!VRS: the Ojo Videophone
Snap!VRS is offering free Ojo PVP 900 videophones and routers to U.S. residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.
Who May Be Eligible
To receive a free Ojo PVP 900 and router, you must be a new Snap!VRS customer, be a U.S. citizen, be deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, and use sign language as your primary form of communication. You must also have a valid telephone number (or obtain one through Snap!VRS), broadband internet service with a minimum speed of 256 Kbps (as recommended by Snap!VRS), and a valid address for 911 services and deliveries (P.O. boxes are not accepted). You must be at least 18 years old or have the approval of a parent or guardian. Applications are available at http://snapvrs.com/deaf/apply/.
What AT Is Provided
Approved applicants receive one Ojo PVP 900 videophone and one router. In-home installation and training are not provided.
The Ojo videophone and service are different from other VRS options. Unlike most videophones, the Ojo does not need a television, as it includes a built-in screen. It also works wirelessly, allowing users to place calls anywhere with a high-speed internet connection. Ojo users can make unlimited international calls to other Ojo devices.
Hearing individuals may purchase the Ojo 900 model for $299, with a service fee of $14.95 per month or $164 per year (as of September 2007). The device features 20 minutes of video voicemail and can be programmed to use an existing phone number or share a number with a non-Ojo videophone on the same network. Ojo videophones support single-line voice carry over and can communicate with non-Ojo videophones and webcams.
How are AT Services Provided?
Applications are available at www.snapvrs.com/deaf/apply/. Once an application is approved and an Ojo is available, a shipment notification email is sent. Snap!VRS reports that due to the large volume of applicants, there is a long waiting list for the equipment. Ojo VPs and routers are mailed with a “quick start” guide and ASL video instructions. In-home installation and training services are not available.
Contact:
www.snapvrs.com
info@snapvrs.com
Snap Telecommunications, Inc.
1 Blue Hill Plaza, 14th Floor
P.O. Box 1626
Pearl River, NY 10965
(845) 652-7109 FAX
VP: ask.snapvrs.com
Ojo: 711-SNAP (7627)
Free or low cost computer equipment
National Cristina Foundation
The National Cristina Foundation directs donations of used computer equipment to non profit organizations, schools, and public agencies throughout the United States. These organizations train people with disabilities, students at risk and economically disadvantaged persons to lead more independent and productive lives. To be added to their network of partner organizations, organizations with not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status, and public schools or public agencies need to submit an NCF Grant Application, which is available on line at https://www.cristina.org/oga.
National Cristina Foundation
500 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
(203) 863-9100
SHARE Foundation, Inc.
Custom-designed assistive computer technology for people with disabilities. SHARE has provided technology to people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, ALS, muscular dystrophy, as well as those disabled by strokes, accidents, and head injury. Most clients are not self-supporting and receive SHARE equipment and training at little or no cost.
SHARE Foundation
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
(508) 999-8482 Voice
(508) 999-8489 FAX
www.share.umassd.edu
Email: SHARE@umassd.edu
Share the Technology
Share the Technology is an information clearing house on computer recycling, donating, and reuse projects nationwide.
www.sharetechnology.org
Email: recycle@sharetechnology.org
Traditional Relay—text-to-speech using a TTY
TTY-based TRS is a free service that relays phone calls to and from people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled through the use of a “text telephone” (TTY) device and a relay operator. TRS is provided by each long distance carrier through a toll-free number (contact them directly), and within each state by dialing 711. In Massachusetts, 711 relay access is currently provided by Sprint. (Learn more at www.massrelay.com).
Who May be Eligible
Anyone can call 711 or any other TRS service at no charge.
How are Services Provided?
By dialing 711 on a TTY or standard telephone, deaf users are connected to a relay operator, also known as a Communications Assistant (CA). Like 411 for information, 711 is available nationwide; it connects callers to their local state TRS provider. In Massachusetts the service is known as MassRelay and is provided by Sprint. Nationwide 711 relay works with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) providers as well as wireless and standard phone-line service carriers. There are some multi-lingual relay operators available.
When a person with a hearing or speech disability initiates a TRS call, the person uses a TTY or other text device to call 711 (or other TRS toll free number) and then types the number of the party he or she is calling. The CA places the outbound voice call to that person and the CA then relays communication, converting voice to text and text to voice between the two parties. The text is read on a display screen or paper printout. The text user types “GA” for “Go Ahead” when he or she is ready for a response, and “SK” to close a conversation. CAs must relay calls verbatim unless a user requests something different. CAs are required to abide by the confidentiality rules outlined by the FCC in Section 705 of the Communications Act (and outlined in the TRS rules 47 C.F.R. § 64.604). Mandatory minimum standards can be found at: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/4regs.html.
Hearing callers may dial 711 and provide the CA their party’s 10 digit TTY number and other important information they may want to convey (their name and name of the party they are calling). The hearing caller says “Go Ahead” when he or she is ready for a response.
What Services Are Provided
The following additional services are available with TTY-based relay:
- Voice Carry Over (VCO): This type of TRS allows individuals with hearing loss who are able to speak to use their own voice to communicate directly with the other party, while receiving the other party’s responses as text from the CA. This option is often preferred by “late deafened” individuals, including many older adults.
- VCO to VCO: This service allows two deaf individuals who speak for themselves to communicate with each other through a CA. The CA types the conversation so both callers can read the text and respond using their own voice.
- Hearing Carry Over (HCO): This type of TRS is designed for individuals with speech disabilities who can hear well. They listen to the person they are calling and type their own responses on a TTY. The CA then voices their typed words to the other party.
- Speech-to-Speech (STS) Relay: This service enables individuals with speech disabilities to make phone calls using their own voice or an assistive voice device. A CA trained to understand speech disabilities re-voices what the caller says to make it more easily understood by the listener. No special phone is needed and typing is not required. Some long distance carriers provide separate 800 numbers for STS calls.
- Spanish Language TRS: Spanish-speaking CAs are available for TRS. Some long distance providers also offer separate 800 numbers specifically for Spanish TRS.
- MassRelay CAs are trained to assist with direct dial, third party, collect, and calling card calls.
- 900 number calling is supported.
- Callers may use any long distance carrier they prefer for toll calls.
- Users can also register their calling preferences with MassRelay, including which long distance carrier and services they would like to use.
- Important: Dialing 911 through TRS is not recommended. Users should maintain a landline and TTY in order to call 911 directly in an emergency.
Contact:
To make a relay call:
711 Voice/TTY
(800) 439-2370 TTY only
(800) 439-0183 Voice only
(800) 439-0183 STS
For MassRelay customer service:
(800) 720-3480 TTY
(800) 720-3479 Voice
For TRS Complaints:
Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable
One South Station, Boston MA 02110
(617) 305-3531 Voice
(800) 392-6066 Voice
(617) 478-2591 FAX
(800) 323-3298 TTY
E-mail: consumer.complaints@state.ma.us
Click here for a list of national relay providers including providers of traditional relay.
IP-Relay—text to speach from a computer or mobile device
IP-Relay Services Overview
Computers with internet access can use IP (Internet Protocol) Relay services, which allow anyone who can type—including individuals with speech or physical disabilities—to have their text converted into speech over a standard phone line, while spoken responses are converted back into text by a Communication Assistant (CA). IP-Relay is also accessible through wireless service providers and instant messaging platforms for mobile device users. Although not mandated by the FCC, many TRS and VRS providers offer IP-Relay.
With IP-Relay, deaf and hard of hearing users are no longer required to have a TTY device to place text-based relay calls. VRS users can also use IP-Relay through the same provider to send or receive detailed information that is more effectively communicated in text, such as reservation confirmations or account numbers. These calls are free. Because IP-Relay does not transmit a billing point of origin, users are only responsible for charges from their internet service provider. Standard mobile data fees may apply when using wireless devices.
Who Uses IP-Relay
Anyone with a disability who uses text to communicate can access this free service to reach standard phone users. Hearing individuals may also place calls to IP-Relay users by dialing a toll-free number and providing the CA with the person’s screen name or IP address. The person receiving the call must be logged into a computer or mobile device to accept the call.
IP-Relay is particularly convenient for deaf users who need to place a call while away from home. As long as their mobile device has internet access, they can use IP-Relay without a landline or TTY.
For users with low vision, IP-Relay provides added accessibility. Screen settings can be adjusted for larger text areas, custom text sizes, and color contrast. Conversations can also be saved or printed. Users may provide the CA with call instructions in advance, such as requesting slower typing speeds.
How Are Services Provided
IP-Relay operates like traditional TTY-based relay, but instead of a phone line, it uses either a broadband or dial-up internet connection. Users can access it through provider-specific software or compatible programs like AIM or MSN Messenger. They connect with a CA through their computer or mobile device, enter the phone number they wish to call, and provide any necessary call instructions. The CA then facilitates the call by converting text to speech and speech to text.
What Services Are Provided
Text-to-speech and speech-to-text relay services are offered in English and Spanish by most providers. HCO (Hearing Carry Over) and VCO (Voice Carry Over) are typically supported if the user has two phone lines with three-way conferencing. This allows a person with a speech disability to hear the other party while typing responses (HCO), or someone who can speak but not hear to use their voice while receiving text (VCO).
Some providers include additional features such as mail functions, address books, and other tools to distinguish their services. Users are encouraged to compare offerings.
IP-Relay does not support 900 number toll calls, as these calls are not billed to the user. Calls within the continental U.S. and its territories are free.
911 calls are not recommended through IP-Relay. Users are strongly advised to keep a landline and TTY available to contact emergency services directly.
Click here for a list of national relay providers including providers of IP-Relay.
Video Relay Service (VRS)–signs to speech by videophone or Web cam
Broad band internet has enabled videophones (with a TV) and Web cams (with a computer) to directly link sign language users to each other and, through the use of video relay services (VRS), to link sign language users and speech readers with hearing phone users. VRS providers employ “Video Interpreters” (VI) to relay communication. As with specialized telephone equipment, videophones and Web cams are available free for people w/specific disabilities (although waiting lists can be long). VRS calls are also free.
Who Uses VRS?
People who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability and rely on sign language to communicate use VRS to reach hearing phone users. Hearing people use VRS to reach people with disabilities who communicate through manual sign language. The service is free for all users. Calls are free so long as they are within the U.S. Outbound international calling is available, but toll charges apply.
How are Services Provided?
VRS providers employ “Video Interpreters” (VIs) to relay communication. The FCC requires that VIs are “qualified.” Some companies require national certification and/or state-level screenings. Others utilize their own screening standards to determine who they employ (you may wish to shop around).
People with disabilities access VRS with videophones (and a TV) or Web cams (and a computer). Callers provide the VI the phone number of the hearing party they are seeking to reach and the VI calls the hearing party on a standard phone line. Hearing callers dial a VRS toll free number to reach a VI and provide the IP address of the party they are seeking to reach. In both cases the VI interprets between speech and sign language to facilitate communication.
VIs are required to abide by the confidentiality rules outlined by the FCC in Section 705 of the Communications Act (and outlined in the TRS rules 47 C.F.R. § 64.604). Mandatory minimum standards can be found at: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/4regs.html.
What Services are Provided?
- Sign language to speech (English or Spanish) and speech to a sign language relay. Some providers are still working on providing the Spanish language service (an FCC requirement). Others have call centers in Puerto Rico and other locations. LifeLinksVRS is the only provider advertising relay available in multiple languages (Spanish, Russian, etc).
- HCO and VCO are generally available if you also have 2 phone lines w/3 way conferencing capability; this means a person with a speech disability may choose HCO to directly hear the person they are calling, but still use text to communicate, and a person who speaks but does not hear may use VCO to communicate with their own voice. The Ojo videophone has a 1 line VCO option (available through Snap!VRS).
- Video mail options, address books, personal 800 numbers, and other special features are advertised by different VRS providers seeking to distinguish their services. Shop around!
- Many VRS providers also have an IP-Relay service and can provide simultaneous text communication with VRS. This makes conveying certain kinds of information much easier (like data that require a high level of accuracy).
- Unlike traditional relay, 900 number toll calls are NOT available (since VRS calls are not billed to users).
- 911 dialing is not recommended for VRS relay. Callers are encouraged to maintain a land line and a TTY to dial 911 directly in case of an emergency.
Contact:
National Relay Providers (TRS, VRS, IP-Relay):
AT&T
TRS
www.consumer.att.com/relay
Nationwide English TRS Access:
(800) 855-2880 TTY users
(800) 855-2881 Voice users
(800) 855-2882 PC (ASCII) users
(800) 855-2883 Telebraille
(800) 229-5746 Speech-to-Speech English
Nationwide Spanish TRS Access:
(800) 855-2884 TTY Spanish
(800) 855-2885 Voice Spanish
(800) 855-2886 PC Spanish
(866) 260-9470 Speech-to-Speech Spanish
IP-Relay
www.consumer.att.com/relay
Note: not available for Mac operating systems, and not available for mobile devices
VRS
www.consumer.att.com/relay
Videophone IP address: ATTVRS.TV
Hearing callers: (888) VRS-9998 to initiate a call (also need IP address of person you are calling)
Notes: no Spanish language service yet (as of 09/07)
Communication Access Center
VRS
www.cacdhh.org
Videophone IP address: CADVRS.TV
Hearing callers: (866) 500-9662 (also need IP address of person you are calling)
Notes: CACDHH uses a state screening system for video interpreters. No IP-Relay service available.
CSDVRS
VRS
www.csdvrs.com
Videophone IP address: CSDVRS.TV or CSDVRSVCO.TV for VCO
Hearing callers: (800) 538-9881 or deaf person’s 1-800-VRS number provided by CSDVRS
Notes: video interpreter certification requirements are not specified. No IP-Relay available.
Federal Relay Service
Federal Relay is available for all Federal Government employees (Civilian and Military) and postal workers who are active or retired, veterans and federally recognized tribal members in fifty states, U.S. Territorial, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Northern Marianas and District of Columbia. The general public can also use the service to contact a Federal agency (i.e. IRS, SSA, FEMA) using Federal Relay.
TRS
www.gsa.gov/fedrelay
(800) 877-8339 TTY/ASCII/HCO
(877) 877-6280 VCO
(877) 877-8982 Speech-to-Speech
(800) 845-6136 Spanish (Voice and TTY-Spanish translation available upon request)
(800) 877-0996 FRS Customer Service (Voice/TTY, ASCII and Spanish)
(866) 377-8642 Voice
(866) 893-8340 Telebraille
(605) 331-4923 International Inbound (TTY/ASCII and Voice)
(800) 877-0996 Federal Relay Customer Service (Voice and TTY)
US Government Online TTY Directory: www.federaltty.us
IP-Relay
www.frso.us or www.federalip.us
VRS
www.myfedvrs.us
www.federalvrs.us
VRS IP address: fedvrs.tv (English) or spanish.fedvrs.tv (Spanish)
Hearing Callers: (877) 709-5797 (also need IP address of person you are calling)
ISDN videoconference system: (866) 306-7740
Hamilton
IP-Relay
www.hamiltonrelay.com
VRS
www.hamiltonrelay.com
VRS IP address: HamiltonVRS.T
Hearing callers: 1-866-498-4777 (needs your IP address or user name)
Hands On VRS
IP-Relay
www.hovrs.com
AIM screen name: HOVRS IM
VRS
www.hovrs.com
VRS IP address: HOVRS.TV
Hearing callers: (877) 467-4877 English; (877) 467-4875
Spanish (plus the deaf person’s VRS extension #)
Notes: HOVRS advertises a hovrs Widget for use with the Macintosh.
Hawk Relay
IP-Relay
www.hawkrelay.com
AIM screen name: HawkRelay
VRS
www.hawkrelay.com
VRS IP address: HAWKRELAY.TV
Hearing callers: no number advertised
Notes: Hawk Relay is proposing creating a DeafBlind Relay service to the FCC.
i711 (Go America)
IP-Relay
www.i711.com
AIM screen name: i711relay
VRS
www.i711.com
VRS IP address: i711.tv
Hearing callers: no number advertised
Notes: Spanish not yet available (as of 09/07). No video mail option.
Lifelinks
VRS
www.lifelinksvrs.com
VRS IP address: 69.18.207.166
Hearing callers:(888) SIGN-LANGUAGE (888-744-6526). You will also need the IP address of the deaf person’s videophone.
Notes: Lifelinks will translate into multiple languages through a voice translation service.
No IP-Relay or AIM yet available. Lifelinks VRS offers ability to see faces of interpreters who are available so you can choose your VI. Also offers free video tutoring service for deaf students.
Snap VRS
VRS
www.snapvrs.com
VRS IP address: call.snapvrs.com (web cam) or 711 on the Ojo videophone
Hearing callers: (877) 711-SNAP(7627) (also need deaf person’s phone number).
Note: Spanish not yet available. International calls to other Ojos are free.
Sorenson
IP-Relay
www.siprelay.com
AIM screen name: SIPRelay
VRS
www.sorenson.com
VRS IP address: “Dial VRS” speed button on your Sorenson videophone
Hearing callers: (866) FAST-VRS or 1-866-327-8877 plus the deaf caller’s videophone# or IP address.
Notes: the Sorenson VRS service is not available for the Macintosh.
Sprint
TRS
www.sprintrelay.com
Nationwide TRS Access:
(800) 877-8973 Voice/TTY/ASCII
(877) 826-2255 VCO
(800) 435-8590 Spanish
(877) 787-2660 Speech-to-Speech
IP-Relay
www.sprintip.com
VRS
www.sprintvrs.com
VRS IP address: 0sprintvrs
Hearing callers: (877) 709-5776
Verizon
TRS
www.globalrelay.mci.com
Nationwide TRS Access
(800) 688-4889 TTY and ASCII
(800) 688-4889 Spanish
(800) 947-8642 Spanish Voice
(900) 868-8837 Pay-per-call
(800) 947-8642 Speech-to-Speech
(866) 735-0193 Customer Service TTY
(866) 735-0373 Customer Service Voice
IP-Relay
www.ip-relay.com
Notes: Verizon’s service is of limited use for Macintosh. Wireless IP-Relay is available for the Sidekick mobile device with software that is available for downloading at the Web site. Verizon also advertises an “IP-Relay Voice” software download that enables receiving incoming relay calls, IM messages from other IP-Relay Voice users, and the capacity to communicate with other TTY users.
VRS
www.ip-vrs.com
VRS IP address: TV.IPVRS.COM
Hearing callers: no number advertised
Notes: Spanish VIs are not yet available.