The NAD, along with other consumer groups, continue to advocate for improved access to the telephone network through Internet-based relay services, such as Internet Protocol Relay (IP Relay), Video Relay Service (VRS), and Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS).
The NAD advocated for real ten-digit telephone numbers for IP Relay and VRS users. With ten-digit numbers, people who use telephones can dial the IP Relay or VRS user’s number and be connected automatically to the appropriate IP Relay or VRS to reach the deaf or hard of hearing person. In addition, the NAD advocated for improved access to 9-1-1 emergency services for IP Relay and VRS users. Today, both ten-digit numbers and enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) emergency services are available to IP Relay and VRS users.
For more information, see the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Consumer Advisory at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/trstendigit-reminder.html.
The FCC also produced American Sign Language (ASL) videos on numbering and E9-1-1 requirements for IP Relay and VRS available at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/numbering_and_e911_for_vrs_ip.html.