CSDVRS Goes 24/7, Introduces Enhanced VCO and Spanish CSDVRS

From: CSD - Nov 1, 2005

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
Release Date: November 1, 2005


CSDVRS Goes 24/7, Introduces New Services
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – 1 November 2005 - CSDVRS announced today that its national video relay service is now operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CSD chose to implement around the clock service effective Nov. 1, even though the regulatory requirement to do so is not until Jan. 1, 2006.

As part of the “Switch to CSDVRS” plan, CSDVRS also unveiled additional new features, enhanced voice carry-over (CSDVRS VCO) and sign language to Spanish services.

Sign language users and hearing people can now use CSDVRS at any time to communicate with each other via telephone and a video interpreter. A sign language user communicates through a videophone with a TV or a Web cam with a computer and high-speed Internet. This service, provided at no charge, is funded through the National Exchange Carriers Association (NECA).

Switch To CSDVRS: CSDVRS VOICE CARRY-OVER
CSDVRS VCO is an innovative way for a deaf or hard of hearing caller to use a standard telephone to speak directly to the hearing person while viewing a video interpreter (VI) who signs when the hearing person speaks. Following trials conducted during the Association of Late-Deafened Adults’ 2005 conference (ALDAcon) in Salt Lake City, Utah, CSDVRS VCO has been expanded with three communication options to meet the needs of hard of hearing and late-deafened users.

Hard of hearing or late-deafened users can now specify one of three communication preferences in their profile: a VI communicating in American Sign Language, a VI using English-based sign language alone or the VI signing in English and moving closer to the video screen to allow lip reading. A demonstration of each of these three communication preferences can be seen at www.csdvrs.com/vcosample.htm.

Switch To CSDVRS: SPANISH CSDVRS
The 41.3 million people who make up the growing Hispanic population have become the country’s largest ethnic minority. For that reason, CSD also launched Spanish CSDVRS to meet the needs of deaf and hard of hearing sign language users who wish to communicate with hearing persons that speak Spanish. Through Spanish CSDVRS, video interpreters can now translate sign language to spoken Spanish and vice versa.

Sign language users can use Spanish CSDVRS by connecting through Spanish.csdvrs.tv or go to http://call.csdvrs.com. Hearing Hispanic callers should call toll-free 1-866-WANT-VRS (866-926-8877) and select the Spanish option. Operating hours are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST, Mondays through Fridays.

With 30 years of experience in providing sign language interpreting, telecommunications and video relay services, and call center operations, CSD launched CSDVRS in March 2005. CSDVRS is the first deaf-operated service in the country and offers professional, certified sign language interpreters and seamless conversations, where facial expressions and nuances can be portrayed spontaneously. CSDVRS users appreciate the quicker pace and more natural flow of VRS conversations. For information on CSD’s “Switch to CSDVRS” plan, go to www.csdvrs.com.

About CSD
CSD is a private, nonprofit telecommunications and human services organization based in Sioux Falls, S.D. In its 30-year history, CSD has expanded its communication service offerings and currently manages over 20 call centers in the U.S. CSD offers telecommunications relay services, video relay services, equipment distribution programs and sign language interpreting services. Additionally, CSD’s National Programs provides human services in 15 locations in eight states. For more information, see www.c-s-d.org

-END-
Contact: David Rosenbaum
CSD Community & Media Relations
CommMediaRel@c-s-d.org