An Overview of Video Relay Services

Hands On Video Relay Services, Inc. (HOVRS) provides a new communication tool that allows the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community to communicate effectively and naturally with the hearing world through American Sign Language (ASL). HOVRS uses the Internet to provide an audio/video link to a qualified, certified Video Interpreter (VI) who interprets between the visual language of ASL and the auditory language of a hearing person.

Using the Internet, Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing persons can use interpretive services to place phone calls wherever they may find themselves: at home, at the office, in the classroom, or anywhere an Internet-connected computer is available. HOVRS can contact hearing people anywhere through a standard dial-up telephone number.

Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users only need a computer, a low-cost web camera, and a High-Speed Internet connection (cable, DSL, T-1) to utilize HOVRS. Hearing persons just need standard telephone service.

Instead of the slow, labored, and emotionally flat interaction of older English text-based TTY technology, a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person using HOVRS can communicate freely and expressively, utilizing the linguistic richness of his or her native language. The HOVRS Video Interpreter can relay information between the hearing and the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing in a fluid, precise, and more natural conversational style.

HOVRS is operated by Hands On Services, Inc., which also manages Hands On Sign Language Services, Inc., a provider of interpreting services to the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities for more than 13 years and employs dozens of fully qualified and certified ASL Interpreters. The company's founder is a 20-year veteran of the sign language interpretation industry.

HOVRS is available nationwide, anywhere High Speed Internet lines are available. The service can be accessed online by Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing customers by visiting the company's website at www.hovrs.com, or to the hearing community by dialing 1-877-HOS4VRS (1-877-467-4877) for English, or 1-877-467-4875 for HOVRS en Español.