National Association of the Deaf

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) recently learned that individuals across the United States were arrested for conspiring to defraud the Video Relay Service (VRS) program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The NAD is disappointed by these serious and significant allegations. VRS is a critical service that gives deaf and hard of hearing people the ability to communicate in American Sign Language with hearing people over the telephone network.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandated nationwide telecommunications relay services to make the telephone network accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing or who have speech impairments. VRS is one of several kinds of relay services available that enable deaf and hard of hearing individuals to communicate in a manner that is as close to “functionally equivalent” as possible to hearing telephone users. VRS has created numerous opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing people at home, in the community and at the workplace.

“Thanks to relay services, millions of deaf and hard of hearing people have achieved more independence and improved access to family and friends, businesses, education, health care, and other services made available through the nation’s telephone system. The alleged actions of a few people must not detract from the significant benefits and improved quality of life achieved through this important civil right,” said NAD President Bobbie Beth Scoggins. “The FCC and other federal agencies must continue to monitor relay services diligently to prevent fraud and to address allegations of fraud promptly to preserve the integrity of the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service Fund. The FCC should also continue to ensure the delivery of high quality relay services and innovation needed to achieve functional equivalency.”

The NAD urges the FCC to engage in nationwide mass media efforts to educate government agencies, businesses, and the public about the benefits that relay services provide to all Americans. The FCC and other agencies must also adopt a watchful eye and take prompt action to address any rejection of relay service calls by government agencies, businesses, and service providers in violation of the ADA.