/SorensonVideoRelayServiceFAQ

Sorenson Video Relay Service (VRS) VP-100 Videophone Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) The Sorenson VRS website has great information about the VP-100, including training videos in ASL. Please visit them at http://www.sorensonvrs.com. These FAQ’s were adapted from that website.

I. Can I use Sorenson VRS to call a person in the same room in the same building?

Calling someone in the same room in the same building through VRS is a violation of FCC regulations. You have to be located in a different room from the person you are calling.

II. How do I place a video relay call on a Sorenson VP-100 videophone to a hearing person if I am deaf or hard of hearing?

You can place a call through the Sorenson VRS Call Center using this method: A. Use the remote control to select the "Dial VRS" button located on the main interface.

B. On the next screen, type in the number of the hearing person you wish to reach.

A video interpreter will appear on the TV screen. You should be prepared to provide the video interpreter with the name and telephone number of the hearing person you want to call. The video interpreter will call the person you want to talk to and will then inform them that you want to begin a video relay call.

III. How do I place a video relay call to a deaf or hard-of-hearing person if I am a hearing person?

Using a standard telephone, call the toll free number 1-866-FAST-VRS or 1-866-327-8877. Have the contact information of the deaf or hard-of-hearing individual (i.e. name, videophone number or IP address) ready. You must remain on hold until the call is answered by the next available video interpreter.

IV. How do I place a video relay call to another deaf or hard-of-hearing VP-100 user if I am deaf or hard of hearing?

You can call another VP-100 user directly. There is no need to use a video relay interpreter. Use this method: A. Use the remote control to select the "Dial" button located on the main interface.

B. On the next screen, select the Dial Manually button.

C. On the next screen, make sure Videophone is selected.

D. Type in the number of the VP-100 videophone user you wish to reach.

V. Do I have to set-up a Sorenson VRS account at the www.sorensonvrs.com Web site?

No, not if you are using the Sorenson VP-100 videophone.

VI. Why can’t I schedule video relay calls?

In order to be in compliance with FCC rulings, Sorenson VRS will no longer schedule video relay calls.

VII. Can I place a 911 call using Sorenson VRS? Because of current limitations, Sorenson VRS cannot automatically route emergency calls to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) at this time. Sorenson VRS urges you to use traditional TTY relay service for emergency calls to avoid a possible life-threatening delay. However, if a 911 call is placed and reaches the video relay interpreter, the interpreter will make every effort to complete the call and relay your information to the emergency call center. You will need to provide your name, address, city, state, and phone number. Dialing 911 from your phone or through text relay services will be faster than what Sorenson VRS can provide at this time.

VIII. Who can I call?

As long as you are deaf or hard-of-hearing and physically located within the United States, you can place a domestic or international Sorenson VRS call to anyone.

IX. Can I make calls to 900 or 976 pay-per-call services through Sorenson VRS? No, calls to 900 or 976 are not permitted through Sorenson VRS. X. What do I do if the VP-100 is not working?

For VP-100 units at Valencia, email Julie Balassa at jbalassa@valenciacc.edu. Julie will contact Sorenson VRS and will arrange for a technician to come to Valencia. It takes at least 2-3 days for a Sorenson technician to make a service call.