Video Relay Service (VRS)
April 27, 2014 7:16am
The Canadian Hearing Society is thrilled the CRTC has finally announced the implementation of Video Relay Service in the country.
The service, which will be available as early as the fall of 2015, will enable Canadians to conduct phone calls using sign language. An operator will facilitate the conversation via webcam.
Speaking through an interpreter, President and CEO Chris Kenopic says he’s happy.
The service has been available in the US for around 15 years but Canada decided not to persue it at the time.
Funding to support VRS will be drawn from the National Contribution Fund and will be capped at $30 million annually.