Video Relay Service (VRS) connects deaf and hard of hearing people with hearing telephone callers through a British sign language interpreter, video equipment, and a reliable internet connection.
You connect with an BSL interpreter through our Convo app or web platform, and you can either make a phone call to someone or talk with someone that is with you.
In the UK, VRS is free to use for the caller. Costs can be covered through Access to Work, Direct Payments, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or through service providers for everyday use.
You have the choice of asking your interpreter to announce you as speaking through a sign language interpreter, or not to say anything. You can also ask your interpreter to interpret any background noises that may be heard on the phone or through your smart device or computer.
Did you know?
There are several VRS providers in the UK and Convo is the only deaf-owned VRS company.
Your interpreter can speak and listen through your smart device or computer while you watch your interpreter. The interpreter will interpret and voice your BSL signs, and sign back in BSL what other person/s say. All sessions are kept confidential and are not recorded.
How does VRS work, exactly?
There are three parties involved:
-
The Deaf/HoH individual(s)
-
The VRS interpreter
-
The hearing individual(s)
The Deaf/HoH caller uses a device with a video camera and a broadband (high speed) internet connection to make and receive calls from hearing people.
They will connect with a VRS interpreter, who is a qualified sign language interpreter, while the hearing caller will be on the other end of the line. The VRS interpreter relays the conversation back and forth between the two parties—in sign language with the Deaf/HoH caller, and by voice with the hearing caller. No typing or text is necessarily involved, although some VRS platforms do have the option for the Deaf/HoH caller to type notes to the interpreter. While the VRS interpreter is essentially a "middle person" in VRS calls, the messages are determined by the Deaf/HoH caller and hearing caller and may not be altered by the interpreter.