VRS

What is Video Relay Service (VRS)?

Video Relay Service (VRS) enables a Federal employee to use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate via videoconferencing with a certified Video Interpreter (VI) using a high-speed Internet connection. The VI then voices/relays the signed conversation over the phone to the hearing caller (standard telephone user). VRS allows the sign language user to use their native language to convey facial expression and cues to ensure that nothing gets lost in the translation. 

VRS Toll-Free Numbers: 

  • Videophone: (877) 709-5797
  • Voice: (877) 709-5801
  • ISDN Access: (877) 709-5798
  • Spanish ISDN Access: (866) 284-6939
  • Emergency: (877) 646-7441

User- friendly features include: 

  • Language Preferences (English or Spanish) 
  • Voice Carry-Over (VCO)
  • Dialing Instructions

How to make a VRS call: 

  1. Dial (877) 709- 5797 from your videophone. Press option 1 for English or option 2 for Spanish
  2. Connect to a Video Interpreter, provide the name of your Federal agency or Agency Bureau code and the phone number you want to call
  3. Begin your conversation

* If you are an ISDN user, you do not need to choose language options. There are two different ISDN access for English and Spanish.

Learn how to add our toll-free numbers to your contact list by following the step by step instruction here.

What equipment and/or broadband types do I need?

  • A computer with built-in webcam
  • A videophone or external webcam
  • VRS software or app.
  • High-speed Internet connection, WiFi or LTE

Federal Relay does not endorse a specific brand of videophone equipment or software application. Federal users have the flexibility of using their preferred VRS application or equipment to access VRS through a dedicated toll-free number(s).

Hours of Operation: 

English and Spanish

  • Monday: 7 AM - 11:59 PM ET
  • Tuesday through Thursday: 24 hours
  • Friday: 12 AM - 11 PM ET
  • Saturday and Sunday: Closed
  • Service will be provided on Federal holidays excluding those Federal holidays occuring on weekends 

Customer Service: 

  • Videophone: (866) 370- 2290
  • Email: FedVRShelp@sprint.com
  • Voice: (888) 215-4299
  • Hours: Monday - Friday: 7 AM - 11 PM ET (including Federal holidays) Weekends: 10 AM - 7 PM ET
  • Holiday hours: 10 AM - 7 PM EST (New Year's Day, Memorial day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Labor Day and Christmas)

New VRS Customers:

Federal Relay does not endorse a specific brand of videophone equipment or software application. Federal users have the flexibility of using their preferred VRS application or equipment to access VRS through a dedicated toll-free number(s).