Deaf Connections
Welcomes the VRS Today! Roadshow to Glasgow

I am aware that this roadshow has created a lot of interest and comment, both good and bad.

The negative ones appear to focus on the role of Sorenson and the fear that they are only interested because they want to make money from a possibly lucrative VRS market once OFCOM transposes the EU directive in May. The other criticism is levelled at ourselves and Significant for being involved and therefore being associated with Sorenson.

First of all, debate is good and healthy but sometimes facts get distorted as emotions run high so I thought it would be good to get our perspective on the record.

It is a fact that Deaf people are unhappy with the present text relay service and, given a choice, many would prefer to use a relay service that allowed them to use their first language – BSL. We have the opportunity to make that a reality but know that to do that pressure has to be brought to bear on both OFCOM and the Government. Apart from TAG (and lately DAART), nobody had the muscle or resources to influence the policy makers.

Sorenson, seeing a business opportunity, have invested considerable resources to lobby in order to raise the profile of the benefits of VRS for Deaf people, sign language interpreters and the economy. We may feel very uncomfortable that a US company has encroached into our “territory” but there is no doubt that the debate about the need for a VRS service would never have had such a high profile if it had not been for Sorenson.

Regarding our involvement in the roadshow, I would like to point out that it was not an easy decision to make. First of all there were the resource implications and the cost but, weighing them all up, we felt it was important to get involved for probably the most important reason of all – to inform Deaf people about VRS and what changes it could make to their lives.

Having been involved in the development of a VRS service here in Scotland, we have learned the importance of engaging directly with Deaf people. Showing them videos or giving them leaflets does not work. They need to actually see the equipment and make a call to realise how easy it is to use. Only then can you ask a Deaf person to sign a petition asking for Government Funding.

The second point was to ensure Deaf people realised that Sorenson was not the only provider in town. It is important that the Deaf community see that choice exists and that they don’t have to get their service from a US based organisation.

Finally, the history of service developments for Deaf people are littered with failure due to people and organisations refusing to cooperate with one another. Surely we can find a way to work together for the common good. If the Deaf community continue to disagree with one another, then policy makers will simply avoid making key decisions because they will be afraid of the repercussions from the “other side”. We are in danger of that now. Timing is critical and the ability to speak with one voice to demand funding for VRS services where Deaf people have choice is critical. If we lose this opportunity, then the next generation will never forgive us.

Gordon Chapman

Chief Executive

Deaf Connections

23^rd February 2011