Returning veterans are in the process of re adjusting to the civilian lifestyle. Many will be seeking resources to help resolve different issues that they may be confronted with, such as hearing loss. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, loss of hearing is a common disability for veterans (VA- Public Affairs). Telecommunications access services are available through the Sprint Federal Relay Program. Sprint Federal Relay can provide tools to accommodate the communication needs for these veterans with a hearing loss.

Who can use Federal Relay? Federal agencies, authorized Federal contractors, agency sponsored universities and laboratories; the general public to access Federal agencies; and when authorized by law or regulation, state, and local governments, and other organizations listed in GSA Order 4800.2E. It is accessible in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Marianas. All other locations are defined as non-domestic.

Federal Relay is divided into two parts -- Telephonically-based and Internet-based. Telephonically based services comprise of: Traditional Relay (TTY/ASCII/Voice), CapTel and STS (Speech to Speech). IP Relay (FRSO), Relay Conference Captioning and Video Relay Service make up the Internet based group. Federal Agencies who have employees with a hearing loss or speech difficulties can submit a task order with Sprint (GSA contract holder) in order to use Federal Relay at www.federalrelay.us/task-order-submission.

Federal Agency's Designated Agency Representative (DAR) and/or Contract Officer (CO) cab join an audio conference to learn more about the new Federal Relay contract and how to submit a Task Order.  For more information on how to get this training, please click onto this link - http://www.federalrelay.us/darco-training.

For Further Information on Federal Relay and/or contract, go to www.federalrelay.us, call Federal Relay Customer Service at 1-800-877-0996  (Voice/TTY) or email federalrelay@sprint.com. Questions about the change from "centralized" to "direct" billing, contact GSA - Federal Relay Program Office at (703) 306-6308  or patricia.stevens@gsa.gov.

Sprint Video Relay goes MOBILE with the Android Market

Which devices can Mobile Video Relay consumers download the Sprint Relay MVRS App?

Sprint Relay provides Android based devices for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who communicate via sign language and wish to utilize Video Relay Services directly on their mobile phone! Several new phones are currently available through Sprint Relay Store. Consumers have a choice of using the SMVRS App with the HTC EVO, Samsung Epic or the new Galaxy TAB, all with 4G network. Special pricing is available for those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and wish to take advantage of making calls using Video Relay. Purchase information for consumers can be accessed by going into sprintrelaystore.com.

How can consumers download the SMVRS app on their new phone?

All that is needed to access this service is simply download at no cost the app for SMVRS on their Android device. The SMVRS app can be retrieved through the phone using the Android Market app and or by scanning the Barcode (QR) which will allow the app to be downloaded. For complete information on how to receive this app, click onto www.sprintvrs.com/supports/mobile_vrs_app

People who use MVRS will need to sign in with (or register for) their Sprint 10-digit phone number to begin placing calls anywhere in the US. Go to www.sprintvrs.com/supports/ten_digits_numbering  to get the number and begin making calls. Now Deaf and Hard of Hearing people can access Video Relay anywhere, any time!

Take the journey and experience the award winning documentary “SEE WHAT I AM SAYING (SWIS)”, by director/producer Hilari Scarl. The film details the lives of four entertainers; a comedian, musician, actor and singer – all whom are Deaf. While they remain committed to their Deaf and Hard of Hearing audience, the ability to become more recognized among their hearing peers highlights the stories of these talented artists. Since its première in 2010, SWIS has played to millions of people though out the world.

he release of the DVD February 20, 2011 will feature a grand opening gala, sponsored by Sprint Relay at Universal Studios in Hollywood CA. This will concede with the Sprint Relay SWIS short film contest, which will award the top 3 winners with prizes as well as viewing of their movies at the Gala party. Current screenings of SWIS are available in 2011. For more information on this film or purchase of the DVD, please check out the website at http://www.seewhatimsayingmovie.com.  For more information about Sprint Relay, see http://www.sprintrelay.com.