Miss-Delectable
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Service allows deaf to 'talk' on telephone
A Nanaimo woman wants government to fund a specialized service so deaf people can communicate by telephone just the same as hearing-enabled people. Video relay system, or VRS, was provided on an 18-month trial to 311 deaf people in B.C. and Alberta but the funding runs out Jan. 15, hanging up the service, for the short term, at least.
It was funded with a fee levied against all Canadian telephone customers. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission contracted Telus to do trials, then make its recommendations.
Specifics on cost are unavailable but Telus said it was "several million" dollars.
VRS opens up a world of communication previously unavailable to the profoundly deaf. Deaf people are anxious as the Jan. 15 service cancellation nears.
"It's a big concern," said Julie Lampitt, by telephone, through an interpreter.
"The deaf community is really impacted by this, especially seniors."
Users communicate with others by telephone through an inter-preter, using a VRS device that connects to a television set or computer monitor.
The device has a camera and is operated using a remote control. The interpreter relays information, switching back and forth between sign language and voice.
The U.S. the government completely funds the service.
"We feel like we're in the dark ages," Lampitt said.
Telus understands people's concerns but said the funding runs out in January.
"We're taking all the data and input from participants and forwarding the package to the CRTC, with recommendations that the CRTC hold proceedings on how it might be implemented across Canada," said Shawn Hall, Telus spokesman.
"The CRTC has to determine, if the VRS is going to be continued, how that will be funded (as) a sustainable service. The deaf and hard of hearing, as well as others, including probably consumer groups and taxpayers, those are the guys that need to be looked at if you want to roll out that kind of service."
A Nanaimo woman wants government to fund a specialized service so deaf people can communicate by telephone just the same as hearing-enabled people. Video relay system, or VRS, was provided on an 18-month trial to 311 deaf people in B.C. and Alberta but the funding runs out Jan. 15, hanging up the service, for the short term, at least.
It was funded with a fee levied against all Canadian telephone customers. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission contracted Telus to do trials, then make its recommendations.
Specifics on cost are unavailable but Telus said it was "several million" dollars.
VRS opens up a world of communication previously unavailable to the profoundly deaf. Deaf people are anxious as the Jan. 15 service cancellation nears.
"It's a big concern," said Julie Lampitt, by telephone, through an interpreter.
"The deaf community is really impacted by this, especially seniors."
Users communicate with others by telephone through an inter-preter, using a VRS device that connects to a television set or computer monitor.
The device has a camera and is operated using a remote control. The interpreter relays information, switching back and forth between sign language and voice.
The U.S. the government completely funds the service.
"We feel like we're in the dark ages," Lampitt said.
Telus understands people's concerns but said the funding runs out in January.
"We're taking all the data and input from participants and forwarding the package to the CRTC, with recommendations that the CRTC hold proceedings on how it might be implemented across Canada," said Shawn Hall, Telus spokesman.
"The CRTC has to determine, if the VRS is going to be continued, how that will be funded (as) a sustainable service. The deaf and hard of hearing, as well as others, including probably consumer groups and taxpayers, those are the guys that need to be looked at if you want to roll out that kind of service."