Grant Laird, Jr. Blog

In the past few months, I can see that many Deaf people are getting their own videophone. I believe that Texas is the 2nd leading with the most videophone users in America besides California. It’s very exciting but same time it’s learning experience for everyone at the same time.

I’ve been using videophone for almost two years now with both videophones. (VP-100 & DVC- 1000 brands) It is clearly that its continue expanding more features, offering 24 hours a day and more availability but one thing that is alarming me very much.

I knew from the beginning that Video Relay Service (VRS), Internet Relay Service Online (IRSO) and Instant Messaging based relay service online (IMRSO) are completely based on Internet Protocol (IP) which could be virtually anywhere in the world. Of course, it’s obviously a popular choice — its low cost and increase availability to community with Internet access. Again, it is simply great for normal & even important phone calls with those types of relay services over tradition relay service.

Emergency phone call is our biggest concern - I’ve continued see more and more Deaf people choosing to remove tradition phone line at their house or apartment. (Most of the time, it’s only $20 bucks a month - basic version) I realized it is practically a waste of money if you don’t use it at all but YOU CANNOT call 911 emergency call over VRS or IRSO calls. PERIOD.

Yes, we are hoping that we can use VRS or IRSO to call 911 for any emergency someday in the future. Right now, due to the complication of IP technologies - there is no way for anybody to track where the IP comes from - too much concerns from privacy to relay service location. I know there are some ideas how to tackle this problem but again it could take few years or maybe never.

What about VoIP technologies? Again, most of Deaf communities probably don’t need it but if they do, that’s great but unfortunately, VoIP vendors are very young and unstable market especially it is not under FCC guideline at all. (Will it ever happen?) I’ve heard that Vonage do support TTY now but I cannot confirm at this point.

Some people would say that they can use mobile phone like T-Mobile Sidekick. Yeah right - yes you can do it if you have TTY or PocketComm readily available with you or nearby. I am sorry to say that it is very dangerous to live a house without ability to call 911.

In case, you wonder if Sidekick supports TTY mode, yes it does ONLY if you have newer version of TTY model. Many older TTY model may not work good at all. Don’t ask me if I know which model that support mobile phone.

Bottom line, you can always run to the neighborhood and ask for help - have them to call 911 for you. Sigh - it is still bad idea because it’s not showing world that you can function by yourself. If you don’t care, that’s fine with me. That’s your life, not mine. Don’t cry about it to anybody if things didn’t work out when someone got hurt or killed because you don’t have traditional phone line at home or apartment.

Always dial 9-1-1 directly with your TTY.

THINK AGAIN. THINK OF YOUR LOVED ONE.

Grant W. Laird, Jr.
http://blog.grantlairdjr.com

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