Federal Relay Services Solutions for Functional Equivalency in the Workplace Mark Seeger

Federal Relay was established by Congress under Public Law , the Telecommunications Accessibility Act of 1988, which provides an intermediary telecommunications service for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, and/or have speech disabilities, including federal employees, for communications with and within the Federal Government. How Federal Relay started…

Part of Sprint’s contract with the General Services Administration (GSA) Only authorized GSA Federal Relay provider. Over 100 different agencies supply Federal Relay services currently Federal Relay Today…

Agency Employees Authorized Federal contractors Agency-sponsored universities or labs General Public to access an agency Your agency must have a task order in place prior to you accessing the service. Who Can Use Federal Relay?

Comparison and Security Chart

Why Federal Relay? Enables Federal employees to conduct official duties Broadens employment and advancement opportunities for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Speech Disabled individuals by ensuring them access to the Federal and Public Telecommunications System. Allows the general public (constituents) the ability to conduct business with the Federal government and its agencies. Enables Federal Government agencies to meet their obligation under Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act for their employees and constituents with hearing and speech disabilities in workplace and public.

Why Federal Relay? (cont.) Stringent security requirements ensure safety and security of all information transmitted via Federal Relay service options A package of services that satisfies different communication styles and preferences Available in both English and Spanish (Some services even have English and Spanish translation options) Over 20 years of experience in providing Relay services to the Federal government!

Relay Conference Captioning

Federal RCC (Relay Conference Captioning)

Federal Relay Conference Captioning (RCC) Live real-time captioning of a conference call/webinar/presentation Real-time text streamed to an internet connected computer Uses the same high-quality captioners that provide captioning for television/news/sports/etc. Participate in conference calls by following the captioning, and (if needed) speaking into the event via a text capability No special equipment required

How to book an event? (RCC)

Federal CapTel

If you struggle to hear on the phone and/or prefer to watch television with the closed captions on, then Federal CapTel will help you use the telephone with confidence! If you have difficulty hearing, you can be sure of what your callers say – on every call – with Federal Captioned Telephone Service. Captions appear virtually at the same time as your caller speaks, allowing you to enjoy the natural flow of a telephone conversation.

Federal CapTel The CapTel phones are branded when they are ordered to the agency that ordered it so no need to inform an operator of the agency AB code or name.

How to get a CapTel Phone? Equipment is required for CapTel services in the form of a CapTel phone. TWO OPTIONS: – You may order the phone directly by filling out the Federal CapTel order form at for $75www.federalrelay.us/captel – You may work with the Computer/ Electronics Accommodations Program (CAP) through the DOD- more information can be found at No Charge to Agency Once a CapTel phone is ordered, the ordering information filters through out Federal Relay team for verification of agency Once you receive the phone, it is automatically tied to your agency going forward For help setting up your CapTel phone call our CapTel customer service at

Federal Video Remote Interpreting

Federal Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) Federal Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) provides Deaf and hard of hearing Federal employees with on-demand remote sign language interpreting in order to facilitate communication between individuals who are in the same location (i.e. office, cubical, front desk, etc.)

Federal Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) You can use VRI from any Video Phone equipment, mobile application, or computer software. Toll Free Numbers: ISDN:

Federal Video Relay Service (VRS) Federal Video Relay Service (VRS) enables a user who uses sign language to communicate via videoconferencing with a certified Video Interpreter (VI) through the Internet. The VI then voices/relays the signed conversation over the phone – in real time – to the hearing caller (standard telephone users).By using sign language over the full motion video, this allows the sign language user their natural language to convey facial expression and cues to ensure that nothing gets lost in the translation.

Federal Video Relay Service (VRS) On any Video Phone, dial: ISDN:

Federal VRI compared to Federal VRS Video Remote Interpreter (VRI) Only can be used with people in same location. Video Relay Service (VRS) Only can be used when people are remote.

Federal IP

Federal IP Relay Allows users to place relay calls to conduct government business over the Internet between locations within the United States. The service is also available for Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled individuals in the general public who need to access communication with Federal agencies.

Registration is Required:

Questions?

Find Out More or Sign up for Newsletters at: us at: Request training for your agency at: Want More Information?

Sprint – Federal Relay Core Team – Natalie Ryan, Federal Relay Agency Liaison (CO) – Angie Officer, Senior Program Manager (VA) – Andrew Brenneman, Sales (VA) – Michelle Lapides, Outreach Specialist (DC)