12th January 2012

Canadian video relay service trial to end

Deaf people across Canada are planning protests to urge Canadian telecoms regulators to keep a trial video relay service open – the 18 month-long trial is about to come to an end on 15th January when funding runs out.

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) commissioned the trial to see what benefits it would bring to the Deaf community.  The CRTC will review the impact of the video relay service, with the aim of making a decision within a year as to whether the service should continue.

Deaf Canadians fear they will lose their independence if the regulators take too long to make a decision, or decide against making the service permanent.

Many people who took part in the trial reportedly found it useful and empowering and are concerned that if the service stops they will be return to depending on hearing people for access to communication.

Lisa Anderson-Kellett, who is campaigning to keep the service open, speaks to CTV, a Canadian TV broadcaster, said: "I consider it (video relay service) as a basic right for equal access; a human rights issue for in terms of equality."

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Picture: Franki Folini via Flickr