Deafblind people want to make the same use of telephones as the rest of the population. That means real time calls, at no extra cost to the user, with the service available at all times, that meets the various communication needs people have, across both mobile and landline networks.

By April 2014 there will be a new generation relay service, replacing the current BT Text Relay.

Next Generation Text Relay

Text relay connects deafblind people, who are using either a textphone or a computer connected to the phone network, with people who are either doing the same or using a voice telephone (via an operator).

BT will be providing the new service and Sense is working closely with them to ensure people with dual sensory impairments can benefit from the improvements in the service and access it using the equipment of their choice.

We are also working with Ofcom, the regulator, to ensure there is a timely implementation of the new service, deafblind people are made aware of how to use it and the improvements on offer, the new services is fully accessible and provides an excellent service that continues to improve and innovate.

As part of this work we want to hear from you:

• Whether you use text relay, and your reasons
• The equipment and software you use to access the service

Please contact us on technology@sense.org.uk.

Captions supporting a voice call

Many people would benefit from telephone calls with subtitles or relay services that provide captions to support the hearing person’s voice during the call, while being free to use their own voice, as it enables almost real time conversations, rather than the slower speeds of text relay.

Speech recognition software has a key role to play in the extent to which such services are available in the future, and so Sense is working closely others to gather evidence about the effectiveness of speech recognition and the impact its use has on people’s experience of phone calls.

Video Relay

Sign languages users want to be able to use the phone, using their own language, not having to rely on text and communicating in English. Video relay uses an internet connection and sign language users to relay signed content to a hearing person and voice content to a signer.

Ed Vaizey MP, Communications Minister, and Maria Miller, Secretary of State, would like to see video relay services in the UK, and have asked the telecommunications industry to work with deaf and deafblind organisations as well as business to come forward with solutions to how video relay services can be funded and delivered. Sense is playing a leading role in this work.

If you are interested in telecommunications, want to find out more and are willing to share your experiences, then please contact technology@sense.org.uk.

To find out more about relay services, visit the Deaf Access to Communication pages on UKCoD’s website.

Sense reports and consultations

Ofcom consultation on relay services

Ofcom further consultation on relay services