Ottawa – Residents who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired can now connect with a sign language interpreter to access real-time interpretation for telephone calls to the City. The City launched this new video relay service as part of International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Using Canada Video Relay Service, people with hearing or speech disabilities would connect with a sign language interpreter via video conference before calling the City at 613-580-2400. The interpreter would then connect the caller with the City, relaying conversations between both parties.
This new service provides an alternative to TTY calls, but the City will still offer residents both options. The video relay service allows callers to express themselves in their first language, American Sign Language (ASL) or Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) when communicating with the City.