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Captioning Relay Service

Remote Conference Captioning (RCC) has been rising in popularity among the state relay programs.  What is RCC?  You schedule a relay-provided captioning service to join your virtual meeting and read captions on a webpage or embedded in the video conference.  However, with the rising popularity of video conferences and virtual meetings, there is a growing demand for a more effective telecommunications experience. Video Relay Service (VRS) users are currently unable to insert their video interpreter directly into the video conference platform. However, Maryland Relay noticed most text-based relay users are individuals who Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and do not use sign language. Having the capability to use VRS in virtual meetings would not benefit them. Maryland Relay also noticed that these users would use TTY and/or CapTel along with RCC to access their virtual meetings.

Maryland Relay strongly believes in ensuring the maximum functional equivalence. Thus, Maryland Relay is currently exploring a new relay service, Captioning Relay Service (CRS). CRS is similar to RCC but would allow for two-way communication.  For example, you might prefer to type back and have what you typed spoken out to the conference participants. Maryland Relay needs your help to gauge interest in the proposed service as well as determine how CRS should work both behind the scenes and from users' experience.
1.How do you identify yourself?
2.In which state do you currently reside?
3.On average, how many hours per week do you use video conferencing platforms?
4.Which video conferencing platform(s) do you currently use?
5.Which accessibility tool(s) do you use to access virtual meetings?
6.Scenario #1: You are participating in an active group discussion within a video conferencing platform without your video interpreter (VI) and real-time captioning service (CART) in the virtual meeting. Which accessibility tool(s) will you use to satisfy your accessibility needs?
7.Scenario #2: You are participating in an active group discussion within a video conferencing platform with your video interpreter (VI) in the virtual meeting. Which accessibility tool(s) will you use to satisfy your accessibility needs?
8.Scenario #3: You are participating in an active group discussion within a video conferencing platform with your real-time captioning service (CART) in the virtual meeting. Which accessibility tool(s) will you use to satisfy your accessibility needs?
9.Scenario #4: You are participating in a virtual presentation without your video interpreter (VI) and real-time captioning service (CART) within a video platform, however, the presentation does not require your participation (e.g. a webinar). Which accessibility tool(s) will you use to satisfy your accessibility needs?
10.Scenario #5: You are participating in a virtual presentation with your video interpreter within a video platform, however, the presentation does not require your participation. Which accessibility tool(s) will you use to satisfy your accessibility needs?
11.Scenario #6: You are participating in a virtual presentation with real-time captioning service (CART) within a video platform, however, the presentation does not require your participation. Which accessibility tool(s) will you use to satisfy your accessibility needs?
12.Scenario #7: You are participating in a virtual presentation without your video interpreter and real-time captioning service (CART) and the presenter will require minimal responses from you. Which accessibility tool(s) will you use to satisfy your accessibility needs?
13.Scenario #8: You are participating in a virtual presentation with your video interpreter and the presenter will require minimal responses from you. Which accessibility tool(s) will you use to satisfy your accessibility needs?
14.Scenario #9: You are participating in a virtual presentation with real-time captioning service (CART) and the presenter will require minimal responses from you. Which accessibility tool(s) will you use to satisfy your accessibility needs?
15.If you are experienced in using Text-to-Speech technology, how comfortable are you using this technology to voice for you in a virtual setting?  Text-to-Speech is when you type and computer speaks for you.
Not comfortable
Neutral 
Comfortable 
16.What concerns do you have with the concept of Captioning Relay Service (CRS)?
17.Would you use Captioning Relay Service (CRS) if it was available in your state?
18.If using Captioning Relay Service (CRS), what would be your preferred modes of communication with the CRS Operator in a video conference platform?
19.Select the Relay process most feasible for you as a potential user of CRS.
Current Progress,
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