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CIT supports the Video Relay Service enabling sign language communication over video conferencing equipment. CIT VideoCasts, Podcasts, and Connect meetings can be enhanced with captioning to enable people with hearing or language challenges to fully participate in NIH communications.

Video Relay Service (VRS)

What is VRS?

The Video Relay Service (VRS) enables users who use sign language to communicate via videoconferencing with a remote Video Interpreter, who then relays the signed communication over the phone – in real time- to the hearing party.  VRS uses IP video conferencing equipment to facilitate sign language interpretation between the hearing and hearing impaired. By using sign language over the full motion video, this allows the sign language user to fully express in their natural language and convey facial expression and cues to ensure nothing gets lost in the translation. Any NIH employee that has registered their system with CIT via the NIH IT Service Desk can use VRS free of charge. Standard CIT Video labor rates are required for support, troubleshooting, installation or registration and a CIT account is needed for billing purposes.

What is needed to use VRS?

Request a video hardware system from Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP).(http://www.tricare.mil/cap/index.cfm). It is advisable that you request a Z-150 video phone since that is the only video phone currently tested and approved for use at NIH.

CAP will then email you the CAP Videophone Additional Information Request Form. Fill out the top portion of this form with the required information. It must be signed by your supervisor.

Fax the form to the NIH IT point of contact (POC) at 301-402-7349, who will then complete and sign the Technical Requirements portion.

The NIH IT POC will return the form to you so that it can be faxed back to CAP (the instructions are on the form).

Once you receive the device, contact the NIH IT Service Desk to request a static IP for VRS services.

What type of equipment do I need to use to gain access to VRS at NIH?

CIT has currently certified the following system for use with VRS system:

     Stand alone video unit: Z-150 videophone

This is the only model video phone (VP) approved for use at NIH for VRS/VP purposes. More systems may be under consideration. Please contact us at citvideo@mail.nih.gov with any questions.

 

Requesting Support for Video Relay Services at the NIH

The requestor should open an IT Service Request with the NIH IT Service Desk (http://itservicedesk.nih.gov) to request support.

(301) 496-4357 (6 HELP) (local)
(866) 319-4357 (toll free)
(301) 496-8294 (TTY)