On February 28-March 1, 2007, the nation’s video relay services providers hosted a Congressional Demonstration for United States Senators and Representatives to see how video relay services have made an impact upon Deaf individuals across the nation.

Several senators and representatives including Rep. Fred Upton (R-Michigan), Rep. Jim Matheson (R-Utah) and Rep. Edward Markey (D-Massachusetts) as well as the staff members attended the event to learn and understand how the video relay service works and how it benefits Deaf and hearing people all over the nation.

Gallaudet’s current President Robert R. Davila and former President Dr I. King Jordan, NAD President Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins, NAD Executive Director Nancy Bloch, 1987 Academy Awards winning actress Marlee Matlin and TDI Executive Director Claude Stout were in attendance to lend their support for the VRS providers.

NAD President Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins started the presentation explaining about the impact of video relay services upon Deaf and hearing individuals. “Only 10% of Deaf population in this country has the access to the equipment and VRS. And it is important for us to educate the Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that their support for 12 VRS providers are important ingredient to the future of Deaf and hearing people across the nation.”

Then Ron C. Burdett, Sorenson Communications’ Vice-President of Community Relations, explained about the technology of VRS’ impact on Deaf people. Shortly afterwards, Rep. Fred Upton engaged in a VRS call to Marlee Matlin who was sitting not far from the stage to help demonstrate what VRS is all about. Rep. Upton was obviously impressed with how the video relay service works after joking with Matlin about the Super Bowl.

“VRS is life-changing experience for me, really. I can call my family and friends and chat with them on the videophone like hearing people do with their phones. I hadn’t used my TTY since I acquired the videophone,” noted Marlee Matlin.

Ron C. Burdett said that the support from the FCC in getting funds are crucial because of three things: Interpreter training, technology and outreach. Burdett mentioned, “Only 10% of Deaf population in this country has a videophone, what if it is 90%? We would need more interpreter training all over the country to ensure that we provide the best service to all.’

NAD President Dr. Scoggins added, “Congress has been very supportive of the captions on television and telecommunication relay services in the past and this demonstration is going to make Congress be aware of how the VRS is important to us all and for them to support the VRS.”