Next Generation NRS Campaign - We want the VRS now!

Deaf Australia is running a Next Generation National Relay Service campaign called  'I need a Next Generation NRS'. Deaf Australia wants you and the Deaf community to ask for a new Video Relay Service - VRS to be added into National Relay Service - NRS. Why do I need a VRS? Background For last few years, Deaf Australia has collected information from the Deaf community about telecommunications for Deaf people. Deaf people are concerned that they are being disadvantaged in using out of date telecommunications.  National Relay Service (NRS) is a text based service where deaf people have to type in their messages to the relay operator. For deaf people whose first or preferred language is Auslan, it is too slow! The inclusion of a video relay service (VRS) will provide a functionally equivalent service that all others enjoy. The NRS is a national telephone access service legislate d by the federal government and provided for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. It is also available to anyone who wants to call a person with a hearing or speech impairment. NRS is at http://www.relayservice.com.au/ Video Relay Service - VRS The Deaf community wants Deaf Australia to lobby the Australian Government to provide: 1. Video Relay Service (VRS) 2. Emergency Services access through mobile phones or in Auslan 3. Captioned Telephone services Source: ACE, www.aceinfo.com.au What do you have to do next? Let your local Federal Member of the Parliament and Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, DBCDE and Hon. Bill Shorten know by one of the three things; 1. Write a letter to them 2. Email to them 3. Better still, use the VRS to call them! The National Relay Service needs to have a Video Relay Service This is a very important campaign and the more letters the Government receives, the more impact we will have.  We need your support so please spare us a few minutes of your time – send a letter today!