Which entity requires states to provide a relay system for telephone communication between hearing and Deaf people, using a third party (VRI/VRS)?

Which entity requires states to provide a relay system for telephone communication between hearing and Deaf people, using a third party (VRI/VRS)?

• A. Local government
• B. Deaf community organizations
• C. Federal government
• D. Public library system

Answer: (C)

Nationwide access to telephone communication for Deaf and hearing people is ensured by a federal mandate. The federal government, through the FCC, requires Telecommunications Relay Services, including Video Relay Service (VRS) and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), to be available across states so Deaf individuals can communicate with hearing people using a third-party interpreter. States administer these relay programs within federal rules and funding, but the obligation to provide them comes from federal law. Local government, Deaf community organizations, and public libraries don’t carry this nationwide regulatory duty, though they may support access. The key idea is that the responsibility for establishing and maintaining these relay services rests with the federal level, ensuring consistent access across the country.

Nationwide access to telephone communication for Deaf and hearing people is ensured by a federal mandate. The federal government, through the FCC, requires Telecommunications Relay Services, including Video Relay Service (VRS) and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), to be available across states so Deaf individuals can communicate with hearing people using a third-party interpreter. States administer these relay programs within federal rules and funding, but the obligation to provide them comes from federal law. Local government, Deaf community organizations, and public libraries don’t carry this nationwide regulatory duty, though they may support access. The key idea is that the responsibility for establishing and maintaining these relay services rests with the federal level, ensuring consistent access across the country.