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.