Federal Video Relay Service (FedVRS)

What is FedVRS?

Federal Video Relay Service (FedVRS) enables users who use sign language to communicate via videoconferencing with a remote Video Interpreter, who then relays the signed communication over the phone – in real time- to the hearing party.  FedVRS uses IP video conferencing equipment to facilitate sign language interpretation between the hearing and hearing impaired. By using sign language over the full motion video, this allows the sign language user to fully express in their natural language and convey facial expression and cues to ensure nothing gets lost in the translation. Any NIH employee that has registered their system with CIT via the NIH Helpdesk can use FedVRS free of charge. Please visit the CTIVS Website for more information.

What is needed to use FedVRS?

You will need to use a video hardware system or video software application certified for use with FedVRS (see list below).

All FedVRS users must use static IP address for security reasons.

Once you have your static IP, and video system, contact CIT to to register your FedVRS device with CIT to ensure that your device will work properly on the NIH network. By registering your device, CIT will be able to confirm you receive high quality calls both to and from your device whenever you use FedVRS. CIT will help you set up an account with FedVRS . This will allow you to get your own FedVRS extension for hearing callers to quickly contact you on the FedVRS system.

Once your system is registered with CIT, you will be able to dial FedVRS via a video connection and then have them dial the hearing person you wish to communicate with. Conversely, once you have gone through the registration process via CIT, hearing customers may dial you directly on the FedVRS toll free number and request your registered IP address in order to contact you.

What type of equipment do I need to use to gain access to FedVRS?

CIT has currently certified the following systems for use with the FedVRS system. More systems may be under consideration.

Desktop Video Software

• Mirial
• Netmeeting – (* certified but not recommended)

Stand Alone Video Units

• Dlink DVC-1000 (requires external TV monitor)

Applying for and Accessing Federal Video Relay Services (FedVRS) at the NIH

The following steps must be completed in order to gain access to and from GSA’s FedVRS service while on NIHnet.

1. The requestor should open a Service Request Ticket (SRT) with the NIH Help Desk to request access to FedVRS.
2. The NIH Help Desk will assign the SRT to the IC ISSO to obtain a static IP address for the user’s FEDVRS equipment, if using a standalone device, or the PC on which the software has been installed, and perform a scan of the standalone device or PC where applicable.
3. The IC ISSO will ensure that the user’s IP address will not be blocked at their firewall.
4. The IC ISSO will forward the static IP address and the successful scan results to the NIH Incident Response Team (IRT)  via the SRT
5. The IRT will have the IP address added to the FedVRS security group
6. The IRT will notify the IC ISSO and the requestor that access to the FedVRS has been granted

Creating Your FedVRS Account

1. To create your account, your user profile and to obtain your permanent FedVRS extension number, log onto the FedVRS website at http://www.myfedvrs.us/. Be sure to have your email address and static IP address available when completing your registration.

Using FedVRS

1. In order to use FedVRS, you must be on the NIH network.
2. Turn on video system or open video application: System or video applications must be on/up in order to receive or make calls.

2. Dial FedVRS.TV from inside NIH in order to reach relay services: FedVRS.TV may be dialed from systems that can dial URL’s. If your system can not dial URL’s, you may dial 216.58.243.46, or ping FedVRS.TV and dial the IP address that is returned to you.
3. Hearing individuals that need to contact you, must dial 1-866-448-2503 and request your FedVRS extension. A permanent extension number will be given to you during the initial registration.

The following steps must be completed for support, installation, or registration:

1. The requestor should open a Service Request Ticket (SRT) with the NIH Help Desk to request support from CIT Video for FedVRS.
2. The NIH Help Desk will assign a service ticket to CIT Video.
3. The requestor will provide a CIT Account and AO (administrative officer) name for billing purposes.
4. The charge for FedVRS technical support for normal business days (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) is $175 per hour.

The NIH Help Desk can be reached at:

(301) 496-4357 (6 HELP) (local)
(866) 319-4357 (toll free)
(301) 496-8294 (TTY)

http://ithelpdesk.nih.gov/