What is a Deaf Access Station?

A Deaf Access Station is a workstation that allows a deaf or hard of hearing person to communicate to a hearing person through the use of videoconferencing. The DAS will be able to provide interpreting and/or captioning services through a workstation that is equipped with a video camera.

Your meeting with a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor is two hours a way, you don't have to drive, communicate via DAS!

I have used videoconferencing for eight months now and I am able to provide quicker and better services to my consumers. Communicating in sign language allows me to be understood clearly.

There is a need for a sign language  interpreter, however, the only one available  could be (2 hours away). With the  technology of the DAS, the interpreter can  drive to a local DAS to provide services.

The deaf consumer can also use DAS to call via Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) who uses videoconferencing equipment to provide sign language interpreting services. With VRI, both the deaf and hearing person can either be in different locations or the same location and the interpreter is providing interpreting services at a remote location in another city.

It has become more and more essential to provide services immediately. By utilizing videoconferencing I am able to provide quick, effective, one-on-one services.

Anyone can use videoconferencing! I am excited because this will allow me to be more independent and communicate effectively. I can even use captioning services!

The interpreter uses a head set to hear what  the hearing person is saying and to voice  interpret. The interpreter signs into their  camera everything the hearing person says    and the deaf person can see the interpreter on  a monitor. When the deaf person replies, the  interpreter sees and voices the interpretation.  In this way, the deaf and hearing person can  talk back and forth, just as if the interpreter  was in the same room.

There is no cost related to referral services or the use of the Deaf Access Stations (DAS) however there is the normal cost of using an interpreter.  Fees are negotiated between the state agency and the interpreter prior to the assignment.

At first I did not believe it was possible to sign through a video camera; I love it now and use it all the time. I have called Medicare Services using an interpreter through videoconferencing and I was able to quickly get my answer.

If you use videoconferencing to talk to other individuals then you know that Video Relay Services (VRS) are competitive. Knowing more about VRS and which company provides the best services allows you as a consumer to make an informed decision about which videophone, IP or telecommuncations relay service you use. You should provide feedback on line to improve the service. It's a simply process, you enter the relay providers name, the operator number and your feedback on the service you received. If we don't provide them with information on what we want, how can they improve?