Wells Fargo Discrimination!! - Page 2

GraysonPeddie · 06-27-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodger

I am an interpreter for VRS (can't say which one) and I have noticed the change in Wells Fargo policies. I get so frustrated too! I am also a Wells Fargo customer myself. In my position, I can't do anything about it, but YOU CAN! Please consider taking this up with the Dept of Justice (DOJ) in the Fed Govt and file an ADA discrimination case.

Companies need to be made aware that VRS calls are different than TTY or IP relay calls. Anyone can type and so it is easy for anyone to use relay to place fraudulent calls. They have ruined it for those who legitimately need to use a relay service. But many companies fail to realize that VRS is different because someone would have to actually be fluent in ASL to use it. Wells Fargo (and a few other banks as well) have tried to solve the problem by getting rid of relay by providing a TTY line, where TTY users can call directly to a WF rep who has a TTY. But most deaf people who use VRS have gotten rid of their TTYs and so no longer have access to telephone banking services with those banks having this new policy.

I would suggest that you ask that Wells Fargo do one or more of the following to fix this situation:

1. Allow VRS relay calls, but not any other kind. (No typing based relay calls)
2. Give deaf customers the option of filling out and signing a form which will be kept in their file giving banking reps permission to accept relay calls from that particular customer.
3. Set up their own VRS call center. This is probably too expensive, though. They would have to hire interpreters to staff it.

Whatever they do, they need to do something! YOU have the power to ask Wells Fargo (and other banks) to change their policies. Don't just complain or take your business elsewhere. Make a difference for the Deaf Community! Stand up and say something!

We VRS interpreters are behind you!

Like others, I have to go with #2 due to no fluency with American Sign Language (well, just a little, but that's about it). (Note that I currently live in Altha, FL (rural) temporary until I move down to Central Florida to continue my A.S. degree in Valencia Community College. Sure I could use WebCapTel, but I don't like having to login just to enter my phone number just to ring my phone and dial the number who I want to call, so I'll have to wait until I get a CapTel 800i (or at least get a videophone once I become fluent with ASL).

As to the whole thread about businesses not accepting calls from VRS, that makes me mad and angry (of course I manage my anger, but it's just more than frustration), but I'm not deaf -- I'm hearing impaired...

shel90 · 06-30-2009, 10:24 PM

My friend is in Vegas and needs to contact her bank in California but cant get thru due to this freaking policy. She needs to contact her bank ASAP but they wont take her calls due to the no-relay policy. She is freaking out now...and has paged me for help. I cant believe this freaking BS!

DefMATRIXense · 07-01-2009, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damienmommy

Oh and goes same with "washington mutual" (chase)..bank. They won't help me because of relay there on vp. But I stay with washington mutual anyway.

I use vp a lot by calling washington mutual and chase and it seems they have no problem accepting vp calls. How odd!

yagazn · 07-01-2009, 02:12 PM

Interesting. I have no problem with former WFB, I called by through TTY and it was no problems for me at all. *Puzzle*

GraysonPeddie · 07-01-2009, 03:24 PM

Well that's because if you're using a TTY machine to call Wells Fargo, you're not using any Internet Relay services. They got your information through Caller ID. When Wells Fargo gets a call through an Internet relay service, they don't get your Caller ID. Instead, they get the caller ID from the relay service. In other words, if you use an Internet relay service, you are anonymous from the one you're calling through.

LDNanna · 07-01-2009, 05:10 PM

huh... seems that if you have the right face, right id, all good info, vp would be LOADS better. Face matches ID, the banks would see this in the VP screen, right?

GraysonPeddie · 07-01-2009, 06:09 PM

Video <-> Video/Audio <-> Audio
Video = you
Video/Audio = Caller Assistant relays captures ASL and translates it into spoken language. Then the hearing caller speaks back to the communication assistant, which then relays back into ASL.
Audio = hearing caller

Video/Audio acts as a middleman, so I don't think you can translate video ID into audio ID. It'll just be too complex for today's technology.

How are you going to translate video into audio beyond ASL, like the color of your eyes, skin color, etc. for identification? You can't, unless Wells Fargo has a videophone for deaf callers to contact them directly. With audio, only the voice can be identified (currently).

deafannieboo · 07-01-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damienmommy

Wow, same here, I called doctor on vp with relay. I asked them if I get any infection or something..They said they can't tell me till I go in person talk to them and get information if I have infection. I was like wtf why!? I don't want to drive all way to doctor to get result. They said sorry can't give me the answer. BUT my mom called doctor, my mom is hearing. They gave my mom my result. I gave them a permission for tell my mom everything so it's fine with me if they tell my mom but I don't understand why they can tell my mom over phone but won't tell me because of relay there. I don't care about if relay know or not. it pissed me off.

amen!! i have this problem frequently. i live at a lake and have no land phone line. i live near small town and im 20mins away from that town! i dont have a tty and my signing isnt fluent so cant use vrs yet. i have to use ip relay or have a friend or family member make my phone calls for me. my prob is that i can talk but cant hear. so ill be telling and signing to my mom what to say to the people on the phone and they think i lying because they hear me talk and say she not deaf i can hear her in back ground then they almost always hang up on us! aarrrggg!!! just because i voice doesnt make me any less deaf. people are so ignorant. anyway, i have learned to go in person to the bank or where ever and tell them that i want my mother or friend to be on my account not to have access to my info or money but simply to help in communication over phone. supprisingly this usually will work. just a thought to all those who have someone who can make a call for them. im very independent so it is hard for me to do it this way but when in need it works!!!!

deafannieboo · 07-01-2009, 07:51 PM

also when i do get my new phone line in i use the captel phone. it is awesome phone. i highly advise everyone to get one. its great for hoh and deaf because it amplified and has captions and the operator does not participate in the phone call rather types all of captions w out the person ur talking to even aware they are bing captioned. i love mine. it also has tty capability for 911 calls.

shel90 · 07-01-2009, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deafannieboo

also when i do get my new phone line in i use the captel phone. it is awesome phone. i highly advise everyone to get one. its great for hoh and deaf because it amplified and has captions and the operator does not participate in the phone call rather types all of captions w out the person ur talking to even aware they are bing captioned. i love mine. it also has tty capability for 911 calls.

Good suggestion but one problem...there are many deaf people who dont have intelligible speech so captel wouldnt work.

We need to get these companies to change their policies to accept VRS calls because not all deaf people have good speech skills to be able to speak through the captel phone. The policies need to meet all deaf people's needs not just a select few. JMO.

TechBill · 07-01-2009, 09:41 PM

This is one reason why we need all VRS to agree and set a standard on Caller ID feature so hearing busniess can see our own number on Caller ID instead of Relay's service number.

And good ole Sorenson is giving other VRS a hard time on Caller ID issue - http://www.alldeaf.com/relay-service...-sorenson.html

Right now we can get hearing people Caller ID when they call us using our 10 digit number so I am sure that hearing people or business can get our 10 digit number on their Caller ID so they know the calls is not coming from Nigrea.

.

xgoofyguyx · 07-01-2009, 11:56 PM

One person suggested me (I can't tell you who) that I have to remind the Vrs interpreter to tell the businesses who does not accept relays that they don't have to tell inform them that they are relay interpreter and they just have to say my name and give the info you need to give. They won't identity the interpreter so they will just think I am speaking to them but it is not. I am talking through interpreter and it worked to call the customer service. It finally successed but it was very awkward to talk interpreter while they have to speak through to the banker. Kinda difficult but not that bad. Tho, it might not that easy but It finally work to get it through the banker! Now I know the answers from customer care. You can do same thing that way I did but you don't have to if you feel not safe or don't want to get in trouble. I don't urge you to do that. Just remind you how i got through the bank policy. Am I doing right thing or what? I just tired of strict no relay policy. THat's how I get suggested by someone. It wasn't my idea at all. I hope I am not breaking rules. It was only one time once.

PowerWCRulez · 07-02-2009, 06:46 AM

Hi there,

I am the USBank customer, when I logged into my bank account on my computer, and then it;s locked out for online, then I called my bank thru VRS, and I spoke with customer service which letter cap or lower in my passphrase questions. I gave my last digit of SS and etc.. till they checked in my account, customer service told me use lower letter. Ah! I got it.. and then customer service unlocking on my banking online.. I thanked to the USBank Customer Service.. my USBank knew "VIdeo Relay Service", it's great service.. I've been banking with USBank for 16 years!

Lighthouse77 · 07-03-2009, 12:43 PM

ummm, I don't know sign languages, How am i suppose to use Video calls?

shel90 · 07-03-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lighthouse77

ummm, I don't know sign languages, How am i suppose to use Video calls?

U can do it in the old fashioned way..TTY, which these banks have anyway. Most deaf people who are fluent in ASL no longer have TTYs. These banks arent accepting any relay calls whether thru VRS or online relay.

webexplorer · 07-03-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PowerWCRulez

Hi there,

I am the USBank customer, when I logged into my bank account on my computer, and then it;s locked out for online, then I called my bank thru VRS, and I spoke with customer service which letter cap or lower in my passphrase questions. I gave my last digit of SS and etc.. till they checked in my account, customer service told me use lower letter. Ah! I got it.. and then customer service unlocking on my banking online.. I thanked to the USBank Customer Service.. my USBank knew "VIdeo Relay Service", it's great service.. I've been banking with USBank for 16 years!

That's wonderful! I would be more happy to transfer your account to a special account into my bank. It will take care of you everything.

LDNanna · 07-06-2009, 12:46 AM

Hmm, I could be wrong (again) but don't some VRS co.'s have "face to face" vids? One I use has 3 screens. Op in middle. Oh, I am probably just confused again, but isnt that hovrs? My camera isn't so hot anyway. I've been hoping to get one of the new mpv's but not this year I guess. Another AD'er helped me set up the cam. (thank you very much)

Surely there must be easier way for deaf folks to have same privelege as others? I understand banks want all to be secure. One good thing about being "the deaf lady" in town - it's not a big bank here. All the ladies know me. I can email the mgr or bank prez (I have known him since he was a clerk). That would not do if I was travelling a lot I guess. Plus, email is not so fast as VRS. Not all banks would have the necessary programs even if I was right about the VRS co. I would guess.

damienmommy · 07-06-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nan_Mathews

Hmm, I could be wrong (again) but don't some VRS co.'s have "face to face" vids? One I use has 3 screens. Op in middle. Oh, I am probably just confused again, but isnt that hovrs? My camera isn't so hot anyway. I've been hoping to get one of the new mpv's but not this year I guess. Another AD'er helped me set up the cam. (thank you very much).

VRS is sorenson Relay. Not hovrs. But almost same as Hovrs. I never seen 3 screens. VRS only 2 screen, me and relay that's all. Relay have a headphone on their head and speak to hearing people..I can't see hearing people, only see Relay person who is interpreter.

Same goes to Hovrs. We still use sorenson VP100 or VP200, to call hovrs..like hovrs.tv that's the phone number for relay. It's just different kind of company for interpreters. They think hovrs is better than VRS relay. sorenson VRS is on television screen. Not computer.

But if you want use webcam on computer to talk with relay to any hearing person, then go to i711.com - Relay & Beyond there you will see say video relay. Click that then call, simple.

***VamPyroX*** · 07-06-2009, 05:09 PM

You could always try calling relay and tell the relay operator not to function as a relay operator, but as an interpreter instead (without using "go ahead", "sign off", or announce herself).

My friend did that a couple times when ordering something online. He ordered a computer part, but the company wouldn't take his call because it was relay. So, after a few attempts... my friend finally got the relay operator to act as an interpreter. When the call was made, my friend made sure the relay operator was a male (since my friend was male and wanted a male voice)... the relay operator did not announce himself (explain the service, etc)... talked as if he was a real interpreter (no use of "go ahead")... etc.

He finally got the transaction completed.

fayekuo · 07-07-2009, 06:04 PM

Hi - my name is Faye Kuo and I am an attorney with Advocacy, Incorporated. Advocacy is a non profit agency that provides legal and advocacy services to people with disabilities in Texas. I'm interested in talking to some of you about the discrimination you've experienced in trying to use the relay to call your bank. I am actually interested in anyone from Texas who has had the same/similar experience with Wachovia. However, since Wells Fargo and Wachovia are merging, I would also be interested in talking to any WF customer, as well - including those of you who were interested in opening a credit card or account with WF/Wachovia but were not able to due to the fact that they do not take relay calls. My e-mail is fkuo@advocacyinc.org and I also have VP, but e-mail me first to get things set up... thanks!

DURAY · 07-07-2009, 09:57 PM

ue captel. you can talk into the receiver and read the text. Or use VCO with a tty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lighthouse77

ummm, I don't know sign languages, How am i suppose to use Video calls?

LDNanna · 07-08-2009, 12:43 AM

This is very nice of advocacy. What do you at advocacy do when drs refuse to get terps for deaf patients, or other deaf problems? Like when your boss continues to make fun, or is it only when big businesses like banks such as Wells and Wachovia are concerned? I think this post sounds snippy - sorry - but I really do want this answer. Thank you

fayekuo · 07-08-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nan_Mathews

This is very nice of advocacy. What do you at advocacy do when drs refuse to get terps for deaf patients, or other deaf problems? Like when your boss continues to make fun, or is it only when big businesses like banks such as Wells and Wachovia are concerned? I think this post sounds snippy - sorry - but I really do want this answer. Thank you

Hi Nan -

I don't think it sounds snippy at all. I know you are frustrated, as are the rest of the members in the deaf/hh community. It will take all of us working together in order to resolve the issue(s). As I mentioned in a private e-mail to you last night (before I saw this post), drs not providing effective communication is a problem everywhere else, not just Texas. We have yet to find that magical solution that will fix everything and so in the meantime, we have to do what we can with the resources we have. There is an idea floating about as to how we can resolve the dr problem, but it is not easy to implement. If any of you have heard of the "Sign Up Fund" (which allowed attorneys in Texas to pay for auxiliary aids and services such as terps or CART), the idea for the medical field would be similar to that.

As for problems such as employment discrimination (e.g., boss making fun), we do handle those complaints, as well. We help clients file an EEOC/TWC charge of discrimination and if it comes to mediation, we can also act as their counsel. But the individual has to contact us in order for us to even begin to try to help. At the same time, we cannot accept every single case that comes in although we try to accept as many as we can. As is true with other non profits affected by this economy, we have to make the best use of the resources we have.

So when it comes to litigation, we try to pick cases that we believe will have a systemic impact on whatever issue is at hand. Hence the focus on bigger companies. If they are brought into compliance, then it is more likely that more folks will be affected and also more likely that the smaller companies will follow suit.

I hope this helps to answer your questions. If you have any more qqs or concerns, feel free to e-mail or post and I will reply.

Faye

fayekuo · 07-08-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GraysonPeddie

Well that's because if you're using a TTY machine to call Wells Fargo, you're not using any Internet Relay services. They got your information through Caller ID. When Wells Fargo gets a call through an Internet relay service, they don't get your Caller ID. Instead, they get the caller ID from the relay service. In other words, if you use an Internet relay service, you are anonymous from the one you're calling through.

So if someone were to call WF's TTY line using Nextalk (or any other TTY emulator program) on their computer, what would happen?

LDNanna · 07-09-2009, 12:38 AM

Thanks for your answer. I think your answer is good for all deaf/hoh. Our economy is hopefully improving. Maybe soon Advocacy will be able to help all of us more. Now that I understand what you are doing, I am glad that you are here and have made your helpful offer. Thank you for trying to help.

xgoofyguyx · 07-13-2009, 02:10 AM

Okay, I read all of your messages. It is very tragedy to hear how you feel about businesses being discrimated all of us! That's how I feel about my bank. I know it is unfair to all of us that hearing people can do anything while deaf people can't do anything. I know that feelings. (Sighs). I can't believe this world is not even grow up! One thing, I am kinda feel better because one company that is deaf friendly if you heard about it. It is Southwest Airline that do accept VRS and do have own business numbers. I used that one through VRS and I was happy with it. I decided to call to make new ticket reservation and southwest worker have been good service to me. Southwest airlines is my first time to hear that they are happy to work through Vrs! If you need that information to call. Call SWAVRS.TV. They don't even offer TDD/TTY service. PHEW! I like that way! F(Bleep) to Wells Fargo and many businesses who doesn't accept VRS, any relays and even DISCRIMINATING on deaf people who are not happy with their services! That's my point!

***VamPyroX*** · 07-13-2009, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xgoofyguyx

Okay, I read all of your messages. It is very tragedy to hear how you feel about businesses being discrimated all of us! That's how I feel about my bank. I know it is unfair to all of us that hearing people can do anything while deaf people can't do anything. I know that feelings. (Sighs). I can't believe this world is not even grow up! One thing, I am kinda feel better because one company that is deaf friendly if you heard about it. It is Southwest Airline that do accept VRS and do have own business numbers. I used that one through VRS and I was happy with it. I decided to call to make new ticket reservation and southwest worker have been good service to me. Southwest airlines is my first time to hear that they are happy to work through Vrs! If you need that information to call. Call SWAVRS.TV. They don't even offer TDD/TTY service. PHEW! I like that way! F(Bleep) to Wells Fargo and many businesses who doesn't accept VRS, any relays and even DISCRIMINATING on deaf people who are not happy with their services! That's my point!

Yeah, it's sad that some companies get defensive when it comes to special services or anything of the sort.

A lot of it is to be blamed on hearing people abusing the service. There was a time years ago when online relay services started rejecting international calls. It was because hearing people from other countries were abusing the online relay service.

Maria · 07-14-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webexplorer

I am sorry that you are having a hard time. I am also Well Fargo customer.

I understand why the agent cannot help you with that because it is very very easy for a non-honest interpreter on the video relay service to steal your ID and your face. It does not mean that Well Fargo is bad, and they have to right to protect their customers' money no matter what.

I am sure that your family or brother/sister would have wired the money to you so that you could pay it back later.

Please do NOT use Western Union because it is extremely bad company which is in Canada (headquarter) because it is very popular for scammers to use in their business. In short, Western Union do not deal with deaf people. (Oh, yes believe me.) We need our congress to shut down the entire Western Unions in the United States.

I totally agree!

Maria · 07-14-2009, 08:44 AM

Aww I am so sorry that you had a bad experience with Wells Fargo. I, myself, don't like Wells Fargo either. I am glad that I am not their customer. I like MY bank better and had no problem ever since 1995.

matlinfan1991 · 07-14-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shel90

I agree... Just about 5 mins ago, I was trying to call to pay for my water bill and the person on the phone keeps saying to call the TTY line and then disconnecting. I am like, "Huh..I dont have a TTY nor a phone line anymore! "

I wonder if it has to do with the Nigerian scams taking over the relay services making them change their policies. Now, I am wondering if the county changed theirs too.

That 's just so wrong...hearing people do not like to be inconvienced...too FUCKING bad for them!

Please understand that it's not all hearing people

06-30-2009, 10:24 PM	#32 (permalink)
shel90 In a pink and black world Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: In the land of the free Posts: 23,649 Blog Entries: 3	My friend is in Vegas and needs to contact her bank in California but cant get thru due to this freaking policy. She needs to contact her bank ASAP but they wont take her calls due to the no-relay policy. She is freaking out now...and has paged me for help. I cant believe this freaking BS! __________________ Shel~ "A child educated only at school is an uneducated child." -George Santayana Last edited by shel90; 07-01-2009 at 06:42 AM.

07-01-2009, 03:24 PM	#35 (permalink)
GraysonPeddie Eye/Hear/Speech Impaired Join Date: May 2006 Location: Tallahassee, FL 32310 Posts: 1,077	Well that's because if you're using a TTY machine to call Wells Fargo, you're not using any Internet Relay services. They got your information through Caller ID. When Wells Fargo gets a call through an Internet relay service, they don't get your Caller ID. Instead, they get the caller ID from the relay service. In other words, if you use an Internet relay service, you are anonymous from the one you're calling through. __________________ ASL Tutorials: http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/page...t/concepts.htm www.lessontutor.com/ASLgenhome.html ASL Grammar: http://daphne.palomar.edu/kstruxness...les%201-06.pdf ASL Browser: http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/signs.htm www.aslpro.com

07-01-2009, 06:09 PM	#37 (permalink)
GraysonPeddie Eye/Hear/Speech Impaired Join Date: May 2006 Location: Tallahassee, FL 32310 Posts: 1,077	Video <-> Video/Audio <-> Audio Video = you Video/Audio = Caller Assistant relays captures ASL and translates it into spoken language. Then the hearing caller speaks back to the communication assistant, which then relays back into ASL. Audio = hearing caller Video/Audio acts as a middleman, so I don't think you can translate video ID into audio ID. It'll just be too complex for today's technology. How are you going to translate video into audio beyond ASL, like the color of your eyes, skin color, etc. for identification? You can't, unless Wells Fargo has a videophone for deaf callers to contact them directly. With audio, only the voice can be identified (currently). __________________ ASL Tutorials: http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/page...t/concepts.htm www.lessontutor.com/ASLgenhome.html ASL Grammar: http://daphne.palomar.edu/kstruxness...les%201-06.pdf ASL Browser: http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/signs.htm www.aslpro.com

07-01-2009, 11:56 PM	#42 (permalink)
xgoofyguyx Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 52	One person suggested me (I can't tell you who) that I have to remind the Vrs interpreter to tell the businesses who does not accept relays that they don't have to tell inform them that they are relay interpreter and they just have to say my name and give the info you need to give. They won't identity the interpreter so they will just think I am speaking to them but it is not. I am talking through interpreter and it worked to call the customer service. It finally successed but it was very awkward to talk interpreter while they have to speak through to the banker. Kinda difficult but not that bad. Tho, it might not that easy but It finally work to get it through the banker! Now I know the answers from customer care. You can do same thing that way I did but you don't have to if you feel not safe or don't want to get in trouble. I don't urge you to do that. Just remind you how i got through the bank policy. Am I doing right thing or what? I just tired of strict no relay policy. THat's how I get suggested by someone. It wasn't my idea at all. I hope I am not breaking rules. It was only one time once. __________________ Jeffrey Bechtel

07-02-2009, 06:46 AM	#43 (permalink)
PowerWCRulez Ubuntu Linux User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA Posts: 989 Blog Entries: 3	Hi there, I am the USBank customer, when I logged into my bank account on my computer, and then it;s locked out for online, then I called my bank thru VRS, and I spoke with customer service which letter cap or lower in my passphrase questions. I gave my last digit of SS and etc.. till they checked in my account, customer service told me use lower letter. Ah! I got it.. and then customer service unlocking on my banking online.. I thanked to the USBank Customer Service.. my USBank knew "VIdeo Relay Service", it's great service.. I've been banking with USBank for 16 years! __________________ [] Updated: 9/10/2007 - SK3 is here! [] Avatar Pic: Ride on the bus [] [] Astrospace IRC Chat clients [] Astrospace IRC Web [] Ubuntu Linux [] [] Personal Web & Scammer Alert List [] Wheelchairjunkie [] [] MyMiniCity (Returned! Finally script working now) [] [] Xbox 360 Achievement Site [] Xbox Deaf Gamers Group []

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07-01-2009, 02:12 PM	#34 (permalink)
yagazn taking a break from AD Join Date: May 2008 Location: Yag in Neverland Posts: 2,493	Interesting. I have no problem with former WFB, I called by through TTY and it was no problems for me at all. Puzzle

07-01-2009, 05:10 PM	#36 (permalink)
LDNanna c'mon and laugh! Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 741	huh... seems that if you have the right face, right id, all good info, vp would be LOADS better. Face matches ID, the banks would see this in the VP screen, right?

07-01-2009, 07:51 PM	#39 (permalink)
deafannieboo Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: S Posts: 176	also when i do get my new phone line in i use the captel phone. it is awesome phone. i highly advise everyone to get one. its great for hoh and deaf because it amplified and has captions and the operator does not participate in the phone call rather types all of captions w out the person ur talking to even aware they are bing captioned. i love mine. it also has tty capability for 911 calls.

07-01-2009, 09:41 PM	#41 (permalink)
TechBill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 832	This is one reason why we need all VRS to agree and set a standard on Caller ID feature so hearing busniess can see our own number on Caller ID instead of Relay's service number. And good ole Sorenson is giving other VRS a hard time on Caller ID issue - http://www.alldeaf.com/relay-service...-sorenson.html Right now we can get hearing people Caller ID when they call us using our 10 digit number so I am sure that hearing people or business can get our 10 digit number on their Caller ID so they know the calls is not coming from Nigrea. .

07-03-2009, 12:43 PM	#44 (permalink)
Lighthouse77 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,115	ummm, I don't know sign languages, How am i suppose to use Video calls? __________________ Good thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from.

07-06-2009, 12:46 AM	#47 (permalink)
LDNanna c'mon and laugh! Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 741	Hmm, I could be wrong (again) but don't some VRS co.'s have "face to face" vids? One I use has 3 screens. Op in middle. Oh, I am probably just confused again, but isnt that hovrs? My camera isn't so hot anyway. I've been hoping to get one of the new mpv's but not this year I guess. Another AD'er helped me set up the cam. (thank you very much) Surely there must be easier way for deaf folks to have same privelege as others? I understand banks want all to be secure. One good thing about being "the deaf lady" in town - it's not a big bank here. All the ladies know me. I can email the mgr or bank prez (I have known him since he was a clerk). That would not do if I was travelling a lot I guess. Plus, email is not so fast as VRS. Not all banks would have the necessary programs even if I was right about the VRS co. I would guess.

07-06-2009, 05:09 PM	#49 (permalink)
*VamPyroX* bloody phreak from hell Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Hell Posts: 31,363	You could always try calling relay and tell the relay operator not to function as a relay operator, but as an interpreter instead (without using "go ahead", "sign off", or announce herself). My friend did that a couple times when ordering something online. He ordered a computer part, but the company wouldn't take his call because it was relay. So, after a few attempts... my friend finally got the relay operator to act as an interpreter. When the call was made, my friend made sure the relay operator was a male (since my friend was male and wanted a male voice)... the relay operator did not announce himself (explain the service, etc)... talked as if he was a real interpreter (no use of "go ahead")... etc. He finally got the transaction completed. __________________ Check out my city... CLICK HERE! (If you already visited yesterday, visit again today!)

07-07-2009, 06:04 PM	#50 (permalink)
fayekuo Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 7	Hi - my name is Faye Kuo and I am an attorney with Advocacy, Incorporated. Advocacy is a non profit agency that provides legal and advocacy services to people with disabilities in Texas. I'm interested in talking to some of you about the discrimination you've experienced in trying to use the relay to call your bank. I am actually interested in anyone from Texas who has had the same/similar experience with Wachovia. However, since Wells Fargo and Wachovia are merging, I would also be interested in talking to any WF customer, as well - including those of you who were interested in opening a credit card or account with WF/Wachovia but were not able to due to the fact that they do not take relay calls. My e-mail is fkuo@advocacyinc.org and I also have VP, but e-mail me first to get things set up... thanks!

07-08-2009, 12:43 AM	#52 (permalink)
LDNanna c'mon and laugh! Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 741	This is very nice of advocacy. What do you at advocacy do when drs refuse to get terps for deaf patients, or other deaf problems? Like when your boss continues to make fun, or is it only when big businesses like banks such as Wells and Wachovia are concerned? I think this post sounds snippy - sorry - but I really do want this answer. Thank you

07-09-2009, 12:38 AM	#55 (permalink)
LDNanna c'mon and laugh! Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 741	Thanks for your answer. I think your answer is good for all deaf/hoh. Our economy is hopefully improving. Maybe soon Advocacy will be able to help all of us more. Now that I understand what you are doing, I am glad that you are here and have made your helpful offer. Thank you for trying to help.

07-13-2009, 02:10 AM	#56 (permalink)
xgoofyguyx Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 52	Okay, I read all of your messages. It is very tragedy to hear how you feel about businesses being discrimated all of us! That's how I feel about my bank. I know it is unfair to all of us that hearing people can do anything while deaf people can't do anything. I know that feelings. (Sighs). I can't believe this world is not even grow up! One thing, I am kinda feel better because one company that is deaf friendly if you heard about it. It is Southwest Airline that do accept VRS and do have own business numbers. I used that one through VRS and I was happy with it. I decided to call to make new ticket reservation and southwest worker have been good service to me. Southwest airlines is my first time to hear that they are happy to work through Vrs! If you need that information to call. Call SWAVRS.TV. They don't even offer TDD/TTY service. PHEW! I like that way! F(Bleep) to Wells Fargo and many businesses who doesn't accept VRS, any relays and even DISCRIMINATING on deaf people who are not happy with their services! That's my point! __________________ Jeffrey Bechtel

07-14-2009, 08:44 AM	#59 (permalink)
Maria Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 10,063	Aww I am so sorry that you had a bad experience with Wells Fargo. I, myself, don't like Wells Fargo either. I am glad that I am not their customer. I like MY bank better and had no problem ever since 1995.

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