On April 3, 2020, in light of the national COVID-19 emergency, the FCC granted a temporary, limited waiver of the rule restricting video relay service (VRS) providers from contracting for video sign language interpretation services with non-VRS providers.
The temporary waiver is effective on April 3, 2020 until May 15, 2020. The FCC will continue to monitor this emergency situation and will consider and take additional actions as warranted.
TRS Order:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/temporary-waiver-permits-vrs-providers-contract-interpreters
Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-20-378A1.docx
PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-20-378A1.pdf
Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-20-378A1.txt
News Release:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-gives-vrs-providers-flexibility-hire-more-asl-interpreters
Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-363518A1.docx
PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-363518A1.pdf
Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-363518A1.txt
General information about TRS is available at https://www.fcc.gov/general/telecommunications-relay-services-trs. For further information, please contact Bill Wallace, Disability Rights Office, CGB, at (202) 418-2716, or William.Wallace@fcc.gov. Individuals who use videophones and are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432-2275 (videophone).