At Convo, we believe that you cannot have true inclusion without Deaf inclusion. Inclusion isn’t just a noun, inclusion is also a verb; we want to practice making everyone feel included all the time. As the largest Deaf-owned company in the world, we understand what true inclusion means. Sometimes, it may seem as if you are practicing inclusion because a Deaf person is in the room, but still not achieving true inclusion. Here are some common mistakes that result in exclusion rather than Deaf inclusion.

 

Talking to or listening to the Deaf employee differently when a sign language interpreter is present

Address the Deaf employee directly. For example, if you want to ask a Deaf employee for their name, it’s better to ask, “What’s your name” instead of “What’s their name.” It may feel natural to look at the person who is speaking with their voice, but when conversing with a Deaf employee, it can cause a feeling of disconnection when you don’t maintain eye contact with the Deaf employee.

Speak at a normal pace, but make sure to give pauses here and there so that the Deaf employee can process what is being said and have time to ask questions. This also helps the interpreter facilitate the conversation more efficiently. When separated from the employee, avoid giving messages to the interpreter to relay at a later time to the individual.

 

Treating everyone “too equally”

If you plan to turn the lights off during a presentation, make sure to have a spotlight on the interpreter so that the Deaf person can see the interpreter. Also, ensure that the Deaf employee is seated somewhere they’re able to watch so they can watch the interpreter unobstructed. 

If you have materials or handouts, please have a copy for the interpreter so that they have a full understanding and context of the material.

 

Assume that there are no Deaf awareness events and observations

Did you know every April is National Deaf History Month? This is just one example of many events celebrating Deaf people & culture. This would be a great way of making your Deaf employee feel they’re an integral part of your company’s culture. It would be a fantastic opportunity to educate hearing employees about Deaf-led achievements that impacted our society today.

Here are a few Deaf awareness dates you may want to know about:

• Every April: National Deaf History Month
• Every September: Deaf Awareness Month
• Every last week of September: International Week of the Deaf

 

An accommodation is one-size-fits-all

Every Deaf employee has their own preferred accommodations. There are Deaf people who can lipread, but they may still need to have a sign language interpreter to maximize their access to work. There may be some Deaf people who prefer to use assistive listening devices over using a sign language interpreter. Whatever the preferred accommodations may be, we encourage you to ask the Deaf employee what kind of accommodations they’d be most comfortable with and honor their request. This way, you’re showing them that you value them, which boosts an employee’s productivity at work.

 

Keep your guidelines the same

Once you have a Deaf employee on board with the team, it’s a perfect time to review your guidelines to find out anything that could be modified to give Deaf employees full accessibility. For example, making your emergency notifications visual would be a fantastic way to ensure that Deaf employees get full access to emergency information. Got some training videos that you require every employee to watch? Make sure that they’re captioned so that everyone (not just Deaf employees) gets maximum access to the information they need to do their job effectively.

Convo believes that true inclusion is Deaf inclusion. As the largest Deaf-owned business in the world, we have created solutions that seamlessly integrate sign language communication into the workplace and customer environments across the globe. Learn more about our Virtual Interpreting service.

The post Top Things NOT to do for Deaf Inclusion appeared first on Convo Communications.

I have questions about working with Deaf employees, but I’m not sure how to ask.. Am I at the right place?

Yes! We’re glad you’re here! It shows that you are interested in making your workplace more inclusive for Deaf people and that you’d like to know how to make it happen. We’re excited to answer any burning questions you may have but are unsure where to ask.

 

1. Why did the Deaf employee request a different ASL interpreter after I provided them with one?

Think of a time when you decided to change your service provider after you didn’t feel satisfied with your provider. Sometimes Deaf employees feel that way about their interpreters – it does not mean the interpreter is not technically competent; they may not be the best match for the individual. A Deaf employee hosting a presentation about economics may need a sign language interpreter versed in business so that they can interpret signs into business terms that fit the subject. Deaf employees generally prefer interpreters who capture and show their personality, style, and demeanor the best.

 

2. Should I provide materials for the agency / interpreters as I do for the Deaf employee in meetings?

Yes, this will help interpreters get the full context and information they need to prepare for meetings involving Deaf employees. That way, the conversation will likely be seamless when everyone involved understands the topic at hand. It will lead to more accurate interpretation (such as proper sign language for specific terminology and jargon) for the Deaf employee. Not only that, the non-signing employees and colleagues will be able to get more accurate information when interpreters speak specific industry-related terms while the Deaf employee is signing.

 

3. Do I need to use a team of interpreters?

For events with a large attendance and a duration that will go longer than an hour, it is highly recommended that you have a team of interpreters to ensure that communication effectiveness won’t be compromised. Also, most interpreters won’t accept an assignment without a team if the event lasts longer than 30 minutes. Sign language interpreting requires a lot of effort, and the quality of work for an interpreter can suffer after a lengthy period of interpreting. When a sign language interpreter takes a break, they still support the active interpreter by serving as another “listener” to ensure that the current interpreter captures the message being delivered (i.e., unclear pronunciation or a correct sign for a word). Teams of interpreters ensure that the communication quality remains at a top-notch level.

 

4. Do I turn off my video feed in video meetings with Deaf employees and their interpreters?

If you’re the presenter, it would be a best practice to achieve genuine interaction if you keep your camera on while speaking. This allows the Deaf viewer to see your body language and nonverbal communication as a tone of voice while watching the sign language interpreter at the same time. This helps with engagement. However, do check in with the participants; they have their own preferences!

 

5. What are other ways to include Deaf employees besides providing interpreters?

Great question! There’s more to making the Deaf employee feel fully included other than providing interpreters.

• Make sure to provide captions and/or transcripts for all materials that have audio, such as videos, podcasts, and verbal announcements, so that the Deaf employee has full access to the information being shared.
• When giving a presentation with slides, please give a minute for everyone to read the slides first before speaking. This allows everyone involved time to read the content first so that they can give the interpreter full attention to listen to what you have to say instead of switching to reading and listening back and forth if you speak too early.
• Face the Deaf employee directly when you’re speaking instead of looking at the interpreter instead of facing the interpreter when talking to the Deaf employee. Generally, you want to accomplish an environment where you feel natural to have an interpreter around!

 

6. Is Deaf inclusion expensive?

No. You may qualify for tax benefits and incentives for hiring people with disabilities. However, regardless of costs, we recommend considering this as an investment. It’s an investment in your company or organization. Deaf people have different things to offer, and they can bring a unique perspective to the workplace. Having a unique and diverse workforce is a testament to your company’s culture and diversity. You will benefit just as much as your employee, if not more so, through being accessible.  

 

7. Where and how do I get started?

We offer a state-of-the-art Virtual Interpreting service that provides interpreting options such as on-demand and scheduled interpreting events. Our solutions feature matching your company with our industry-best interpreters that understand your work terminology and create customized solutions designed to make Deaf Inclusion a reality. Click here to learn more about what we offer.

The post 7 Questions You Wanted to Ask Deaf Employees but Were Afraid to Ask appeared first on Convo Communications.

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re all about advancing employment opportunities for Deaf people. According to National Deaf Center’s report (2019), only 53% of Deaf people are employed, compared to their hearing counterparts (76%). Nearly half of the entire Deaf population has no job. It could be because of discrimination they’re experiencing in employment hiring. What are common misconceptions that employment hiring practices for the Deaf may look like? Here are five myths you may want to learn about. 

 

Myth 1: Deaf people should provide their own interpreters.

False. This violates the federal Americans with Disabilities Act law. Businesses are required to provide a sign language interpreter if a Deaf person requests one to ensure that they have equal access to services and opportunities, including employment. If you’re not sure where to start looking for an interpreter, you can ask them for interpreter recommendations to find out qualified interpreters that work for everyone.

To learn more about communication rights for the Deaf, check out our blog post here.

 

Myth 2: If a sign language interpreter is certified, then they can interpret in any setting.

That’s not true. Did you know that different certifications prove your knowledge and expertise in a specialized field of interpreting? If you need a sign language interpreter for a medical setting, you’d be best to use an interpreter with knowledge and expertise in the medical field. If you were to have a certified sign language interpreter that’s not appropriately qualified to interpret in a specialized setting, it could lead to confusion and frustration for the Deaf person due to complex jargon that may be difficult to be interpreted effectively. If you get a sign language interpreter that’s more experienced in a specific field, they’ll be more seasoned and prepared to deliver the message more effectively. 

 

Myth 3: One sign language interpreter is enough for any event.

Hiring two interpreters instead of one can enhance the quality and effectiveness of your event’s interpretation. At most events that provide sign language interpretation, you’ll find a team of two interpreters. Sign language interpreting requires a lot of mental effort, and the quality of work for an interpreter can suffer after 30 to 45 minutes. If your event is longer than an hour, it is best practice to hire a team of two interpreters to ensure the full effectiveness of the interpretation.

If you anticipate your job interview with the Deaf applicant or work meetings that include Deaf employees will last for a while, then we highly recommend you hire two interpreters.

 

Myth 4: Communicating through text or writing back and forth on paper is as effective as having an interpreter.

This is a popular misconception. ASL and English have vastly different grammatical structures and rules, and a lot of Deaf people grew up using ASL as their native and primary language. They may not be accustomed to understanding complex structures of English because it’s not their native language (similar to someone fluent in English trying to learn Spanish for the first time). Communicating through text or writing on paper may be effective, especially when it’s to exchange negligible information, such as making a specific order in a fast-food restaurant or asking to find an item in a supermarket, because the information being shared is simple and direct. When it comes to providing services that require extensive support, such as medical care, having an ASL interpreter is paramount because Deaf clients will get full and thorough access to the information they need to make informed choices for themselves.

Did you know that we offer free virtual interpreting services for all your job interviews with Deaf applicants when you sign up with us? Send us an email at vi@webdev.convorelay.com to learn more!

 

Myth 5: If I provide sign language interpreters for Deaf clients, I won’t need to provide captions.

This is a myth. The Deaf community is rich in linguistic diversity. Some Deaf folks rely on written English, and some prefer to watch ASL interpreters. Additionally, your event likely has participants who have not requested accommodations but actually do have a need for them. According to the NIDCD, “About 2 percent of adults aged 45 to 54 have disabling hearing loss. The rate increases to 8.5 percent for adults aged 55 to 64. Nearly 25 percent of those aged 65 to 74 and 50 percent of those who are 75 and older have disabling hearing loss.” This means that of these individuals, less than one-third have used hearing aids (due to cost and lack of awareness). Just one accommodation request may wind up making the event inclusive to many others, unbeknownst to you. 

When providing accommodations, just ask the Deaf person what works best for them!

 

Let’s make employment more inclusive for the Deaf community!

Our philosophy revolves around the idea that every Deaf caller has ownership over all of their calls. Our approach is creating authentic interpreting that grants Deaf individuals control over when and how conversations happen, so they can fully participate and self-advocate. As the largest Deaf-owned business in the world, we understand the uniqueness of individualized Deaf communication preferences and the importance of a simple and efficient connection to a trustworthy interpreter. This is how we ignite true inclusion of accessibility that feels right for everyone. Learn more about our Virtual Interpreting services here.

The post 5 Myths About Providing Access for the Deaf appeared first on Convo Communications.

We believe every Deaf person should have an opportunity to use sign language. However, there may be legal situations where it may be challenging to get the communication access you need. Here are some notable laws that may impact a Deaf person’s access to communication. We’ve developed strategies to support you in getting what you need in communication access based on these laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA is a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It includes all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public. The law’s purpose is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life.

Five sections of ADA:

• Title I: Employment. An employer shall not discriminate against a qualified individual with disabilities.
• Title II: Public Entities. Public entities – like local governments, municipalities, and school districts – shall not discriminate against people with disabilities.
• Title III: Public Accommodations. Public places like restaurants, stores, care providers, hotels, etc., shall not discriminate against people with disabilities.
• Title IV: Telecommunications. Telecommunication companies shall ensure that their services are functionally equivalent for consumers with disabilities. For example, providing Deaf users video relay services (VRS) and teletypewriter (TTY) at no cost to Deaf consumers is one way these companies can comply with Title IV.
• Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions. It’s a statement that nothing in ADA can override or cancel anything in Section 504. Also, it details the prohibition of retaliation and coercion.

Convo VRS is an example of Title IV of the ADA, a VRS company providing VRS service free of charge for Deaf and Hard of hearing individuals. 

To learn more about ADA, find more about it here.

To learn more about Section 504, here’s what you need for a fact sheet.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

IDEA is a part of federal legislation that ensures all students with disabilities are provided with an education that fits their needs. Every student with disabilities has the right to Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). FAPE is a stipulation that requires all K-12 educational schools and institutions to provide special education at public expense designed to prepare their students for the future. 

IDEA is built on the idea that every child with a disability should have the same opportunities in education as children who do not have a disability. Under IDEA, public schools must develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for every student with disabilities. IEPs describe a student’s academic achievement and functional performance in school and specify needed student accommodations and services. 

To learn more about IDEA, come here.

To learn more about FAPE, discover more here.

Strategies to get what you need with IDEA

As Deaf parents, you can request that parent-teacher IEP meetings are provided with the accommodations you need (i.e., sign language interpretation). Check in with your school to ensure that these conferences are readily accessible for you regarding meetings for your children. One of the hallmarks of ADA is ensuring that you have effective communication. Effective communication works when you get the accessibility that feels right for you.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPPA is a federal law that requires national standards to protect sensitive and confidential patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge.

Deaf VRS users may occasionally experience calls where they were denied access to their medical information with their healthcare providers due to HIPAA concerns.

Strategies to get what you need with HIPAA

We’ve published a blog post that helps you how you can navigate through HIPAA to get what you need in your calls. Read all about it here.

To learn more about HIPAA, read more here.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA is a federal law that gives parents the following:

• control over access to their children’s educational records, 
• an opportunity to request the school to correct records that they may believe is inaccurate 
• some control over the disclosure of information under certain conditions. 

Once students are over 18 years of age, they have the right to privacy over their records, and they must be asked for consent to share their documents. FERPA applies only to educational agencies and institutions that receive funds from the U.S. Department of Education.  

Strategies to get what you need with FERPA

Deaf VRS users may experience barriers to getting educational records for themselves or their children via VRS due to FERPA issues. What can you do next? You should notify your educational institution that you use VRS for your calls. Sometimes they may be unfamiliar with VRS, so explaining VRS to them may help make the process easier and smoother.

To learn more about FERPA, learn more about it here. 

To share information about VRS with them, click here.

Laws can be complicated, but your communication access should never be. At Convo, we strive to make your communication feel right to you, which means sharing information that supports you in getting what you deserve.

Note: The information provided on this blog post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this blog post may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This blog post contains links to other third-party websites.  Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; Convo does not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites. Readers of this blog post should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. 

The post Communication Rights for the Deaf appeared first on Convo Communications.

But how do Deaf people feel about Deaf Awareness Month – what does it mean for them?

As a Deaf-owned, Deaf-led company, most assume Deaf Awareness is a celebratory month for us, but that’s a misconception. Every Deaf person’s lived experience is unique, and Deaf awareness means something different to each of us. So, we asked our Deaf employees for their perspectives on what Deaf Awareness Month means to them. 

For some, Deaf Awareness Month is a good opportunity to amplify Deaf communities, spotlight our sign languages, and raise awareness about why Deaf Awareness Month is important. 

Deaf Awareness Month is a way to advance Deaf culture and communities.

“Deaf Awareness Month is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the Deaf community and teach hearing people about Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL). It helps reduce misconceptions about Deaf people and ASL.”

“It’s so important. It helps people to see that we’re here and we matter.”

“I always felt Deaf Awareness Month is more what I want to celebrate [about my Deaf identity] and if anything, we should re-claim awareness to be AWARE that you should try learning ASL, try interacting with us, hire Deaf people, shop Deaf, learn the [Deaf] culture, [and] appreciate Deaf arts.”

“I believe Deaf Awareness Month served a role in my confidence and formation of my identity when growing up. My school brought us together with other Deaf schools and programs and gave us a chance to get to know how big our community was and participate in fun activities that further enriched our sense of pride. I see it as a critical component of raising Deaf children with pride in who they are and where they come from.“

For others, Deaf Awareness Month serves as a frank reminder of language deprivation with some calls to action for increasing awareness about people with disabilities and accessibility. 

Deaf Awareness Month as a reminder of systemic issues

“What many people do not know is that Deaf children are at a high risk of language deprivation which is when a child does not have access to an accessible language which results in cognitive delays. 92% of Deaf children have hearing parents, and unfortunately, 3 out of 4 parents do not sign with their Deaf children. Additionally, even in the 21st century, 98% of Deaf children have no access to education in sign language. This is why Deaf Awareness Month is important – to spread awareness about the harm of not exposing sign language to Deaf children right from the start.”

“I think one of my views is that Deaf Awareness Month is a watered-down way to bring greater understanding about the Deaf community. Some may benefit from Deaf Awareness Month to learn more about the Deaf community, which in turn can lead to a better understanding about people with disabilities, accessibility, and rights for people with disabilities.”

“Months or weeks celebrating awareness of certain things can feel bland to me sometimes. As long as “-isms” exist (audism and lack of intersectionality in this case) and see no real improvements addressing them in our society, these events spotlighting awareness do not uplift or inspire me. But, I believe things can and will happen as long as we commit to tackling systemic issues and recognizing problems from their roots.”

Deaf Awareness is also an opportunity to correct misconceptions about the Deaf community and learn to be more inclusive. 

What’s one thing the world should know about the Deaf community?

“I’d love for the world to realize that the Deaf community isn’t a monolith; every d/Deaf person has their own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives when it comes to d/Deafness. Some people love their identity, some people do not, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s a matter of letting individuals decide their own humanity. So, keep your mind open and take in the wondrous world of d/Deafness!”

“I’d expect more patience from hearing people, who may not want to bother learning sign language, to at least get used to my deaf accent while I speak to them in English. I’d not allow those precious hours of training to go to waste and have hearing people make me feel defeated … Enough is enough! Hear us out.”

“One thing the world should know about the Deaf community is that we are a tactile community. We rely on touch to communicate, interact, and connect.”

“The Deaf community is very unique because we all have something that we can relate to through our lived experiences.”

“We’re humans. Treat us accordingly.”

“I just ask that others pause and listen before making assumptions or decisions that impact us. Nothing about us without us.”

“We see the world through a different lens.”

Coming together to share stories

We believe that as signers, we have a unique contribution to the world, and telling our stories is an important part of showing who we are as a community.

Deaf awareness is something we practice every day at Convo –  our company is full of Deaf employees sharing their stories and experiences at work and outside of the office. As our company expands, the definition of Deaf and the significance of Deaf Awareness Month grows with every story. 

“We all need to share more stories. We need stories to help us understand each other.”

Our vision is to connect the world through conversations in sign language and spoken languages that blend the unique lived experiences of everyone. This is what will truly ignite inclusive and innovative spaces. Awareness and understanding are the first steps. 

We believe that being you is beautiful. 

We believe that being signing-centric opens up a new world. 

No matter how you celebrate Deaf Awareness Month, we invite you to share your story with us or follow along and learn with us. 

Want to make your business and workplace more inclusive? Check out our virtual interpreting services. 

The post Redefining Deaf Awareness Month appeared first on Convo Communications.

To learn more about VRS, click here.

Independence and Life Skills

There is sometimes a moment in every Deaf person’s life when they have to learn how to use VRS. That’s a natural part of life that sometimes requires you to make calls to connect with your hearing relatives, reserve appointments, contact your bank, and so on. Starting your Deaf child early on VRS education will empower them to take responsibility, which will boost their self-esteem and confidence as they get used to handling VRS calls. 

You could start their VRS experience by encouraging your Deaf child to call their hearing relatives and let them create a conversation organically and independently. With some time, you can ask your child to take on low-stakes VRS calls such as making dental or medical appointments before giving them full autonomy to make and receive calls on their own. This may build a sense of self-advocacy for your Deaf children, as they eventually will need to learn how to make decisions for themselves rather than depending on others to decide for them.

VRS may be one of the driving factors that will foster their development of life skills as they grow up.

Ready to get your child their own Convo number? Sign up today!

Language Acquisition and Cultural Understanding

Encouraging your Deaf child to experience different platforms of sign language communication helps your child pick up and process sign language faster. It also helps your child understand that the world may not always be accessible to the Deaf community.

Early exposure to sign language can help your child learn that using VRS is part of the Deaf culture that every Deaf individual will grow up with. Your Deaf child will learn how to work with sign language interpreters. This will lead to healthier working relationships for your child when they need to work with sign language interpreters in their everyday lives.

Discover our back-to-school tools and resources designed to help your child ace their education by going here.

Education about the roles of interpreters

When you introduce sign language interpreters to your Deaf children, a new experience of what it’s like to be Deaf appears in their young lives. You’ll be teaching them what roles sign language interpreters have in social and professional settings. This will help your child understand what sign language interpreters do for you and them. In the beginning, when your child learns about the sign language interpreter for the first time, they may not understand the professional boundaries that sign language interpreters are expected to uphold.

When your child learns more about sign language interpreters, they will recognize that these sign language interpreters are for the communication access between you and your child and hearing parties. This will help your child understand sign language interpreters’ roles better and how they can use sign language interpreters to get what they need in their VRS calls.

To learn more about what VRS options we offer that you and your child may be interested in, check this page out!

I’m convinced! How do I get a Convo number for my child?

Welcome aboard! Let’s get you started.

The post VRS Advocacy for Deaf Children appeared first on Convo Communications.

It’s frustrating, right? You’re not alone. This may be due to HIPAA.

What is HIPAA?

HIPAA is known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. It’s a federal law that requires national standards to protect sensitive and confidential patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge.

To learn more about HIPAA, go here to learn more about it.

If you were calling your doctor to follow up with the results of your appointment, the doctor might initially refuse to share your medical information due to privacy and confidentiality concerns.

What should I do?

Notify your medical provider that you use VRS for your calls. They will hear a sign language interpreter during their calls with you. If they call when you’re not available, they will hear a recording before they leave their voicemail. The voicemail will inform the caller that you’re unavailable and that they should leave their name, phone number, and a message. This should help reduce confusion or hesitation in sharing important information in their calls.

Click here to share what VRS does and why VRS is necessary for your telephone communications with your medical providers.

OK. I tried that, but it didn’t work. What can I do next?

That’s a bummer! We’re sorry that you’re experiencing difficulties. There are several ways to approach this. You can reach out to NAD for guidance and check in with your local State Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind or Deaf advocacy centers to share your frustration and to ask for guidance. These places may be able to help you follow up with your medical providers to find solutions that work for everyone involved.

To find which commission you should contact, check out this page.

The post HIPAA: Things to know as a VRS user appeared first on Convo Communications.

Why is Women’s Equality Day important to Convo?

Did you know? 90% of Convo’s workforce is made up of women. We’re dedicated to improving their working conditions throughout the year, not just on Women’s Equality Day. We believe every company must promote equality alongside diversity and inclusion and make their workplace a safe space for every employee. When we advance equality, it opens the door to more opportunities and experiences for not only women but other minority populations.

How can you celebrate Women’s Equality Day?

Here are some ways you can:

Support & Elevate Women in the Workplace

How? We got you covered with some tips:

• Protected leave and paid maternity should be offered, and companies committed to equality should now provide paid leave benefits for both parents to encourage shared caregiving responsibility and reduce discrimination and bias surrounding women and paid leave.
• Stock workplace bathrooms with tampons, pads, and other feminine hygiene products. Every woman has faced a menstrual emergency, and for working females, this can lead to deciding to be late or skipping meetings to attend to this or walk the office asking for products. The most simple and greatly appreciated – action could be to stock bathrooms with these products. It also shows you understand that women are respected and seen.
• Investing in young female leaders by asking current women leaders to mentor not just females, but males as well. This introduces a new perspective and leadership style for males, and studies show it increases empathy and communication in the workplace.
• Avoid meetings during 8-10 am and 3-5 pm. This is the most chaotic time for working mothers who may need to drop off or pick up kids, get to work, shift to work mode, or back to mom mode. Implement a practice of scheduling important meetings between 10 am and 3 pm so they can be fully present without the stress of compromising other demands during these hours.
• Share administrative responsibilities across males and females. Women are usually asked to order lunch, edit presentations or notes, and coordinate meeting logistics if there’s no assistant. Assign tasks to male attendees to defaulting to the women.
•  Expand wellness benefits to cover lifestyles. Allow employees to use their allocated funds from wellness stipends and benefits for childcare, even if it’s just $25 a month. If you really want to support females in the workplace, offer childcare benefits.
• Avoid tone or emotion policing by breaking the stigma of emotional female or always expecting them to be positive – “you should smile more” by encouraging employees to respect more forms of expression than the professional “it’s fine” and share honest feedback. Ask leadership to check in with teams and each other on how they are doing.
•  

Support & Elevate Women Outside of the Workplace

• Read books by Deaf Women Authors. Here are some to get you started:
  • Future Girl by Asphyxia
  • Books by Cece Bell
  • She Carries The Sword by Cheyenna Clearbook
  • Books by Alison Gervais
  • Haben by Haben Girma
  • Books by Marlee Matlin
  • Books by Sara Novic
  • Books by Karen Putz
  • In Heaven’s eyes by Kimberly Snipe
  • Books by Louise Stern

• Follow those accounts on women empowerment and community:
  • @deafwomenofcolor
  • @deafwomenunited
  • @melmira
  • @lifethrulensoflele, and more!

• Support women-owned small businesses. Check out our Deaf Ecosystem businesses directory in our apps. Here are some of our favorites:
  • ByMara
  • ErryB.
  • Girl & Creativity, and more!

Share & Amplify Women's Stories & Ideas

• Post why #WomensEquality matters to you, a quote that inspires you, or how you’re celebrating equality, and tag us so we can reshare and celebrate with you. 
• Send a note to women in your life to encourage and empower them. Let them know why you think they’re awesome and what they mean to you, or ask how you can support them. 

The post Women’s Equality Day 2022 appeared first on Convo Communications.

What is Video Relay Service (VRS)?

Video Relay Service (VRS) is a groundbreaking service that connects Deaf and hard of hearing people with the nation around them. VRS uses video technology such as video apps to allow people who use sign language to communicate with someone who does not. In these calls, video sign language interpreters relay the conversation at no cost to the callers. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund, which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees, compensates Convo for their service.

To download a PDF on VRS and how it works, click here.

_______________________________________________________________

“Video Relay Service is a birthright.”

–Wayne Betts, Jr., Chief Strategic Officer / Co-founder

_______________________________________________________________

How does VRS work, exactly? 

There are three parties involved: 

• The Deaf/Deafblind/Hard-of-Hearing person 
• The sign language interpreter
• The hearing person(s) 

The Deaf caller uses a device with a video camera (e.g., mobile phone, laptop) and a high-speed internet connection to make and receive calls from hearing people. 

The Deaf caller will connect with the hearing caller through a VRS interpreter, who is a qualified sign language interpreter. The VRS interpreter relays the conversation between the two parties—in sign language with the Deaf caller and by voice with the hearing caller. 

Is VRS calls confidential?

Yes! Sign language interpreters are bound by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.’s Code of Professional Conduct that they will honor confidentiality in all communications, including VRS calls. For more information on the Code of Professional Conduct, please click here. 

While the VRS interpreter is essentially a “middle person” in VRS calls, the exchanged messages are determined by the Deaf and hearing callers and may not be altered by the interpreter. All calls are confidential and secure.

What is TRS?

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) is a service the FCC provides that allows persons with hearing or speech disabilities to place and receive telephone calls. VRS is one form of TRS. TRS is available for local and long-distance calls in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories.

To learn more about TRS from the FCC, click here.

Did you know?

There are five VRS providers in the U.S., and Convo is the only Deaf-owned VRS company! 

Learn more about what else makes us awesome here.

OK, I’m interested! How can I sign up?

We love your enthusiasm! First, we need to know if you meet the criteria required to get a VRS number. Please click here to find out if you are eligible for a Convo number. 

I’m eligible to have my VRS number!

Welcome aboard! Let’s get your Convo # now by clicking here. We look forward to serving you.

The post What is VRS? appeared first on Convo Communications.

What if you lost your credit card or citizenship passport while traveling? Accidents like these can happen. What can you do to make sure you’re safe and protected?

Grab your Convo Passport now! 

Convo Passport helps you during these situations. You can make VRS calls to your bank in the United States or call your family for help anywhere and anytime.

The neat thing about Convo Passport is that it’s useful for emergencies, and you can use it to connect with your loved ones to share the news!

During the summer, when prominent Deaf international events such as the Deaflympics and Clin d’Oeil happened, many users reported their satisfaction with Convo Passport. They shared the most exciting updates with their loved ones and made conversations with their friends and relatives back home.

With Convo Passport, you can be in the moment with some of the most exciting memories – such as discussing gorgeous sightseeing views, describing your days, and connecting with your loved ones.

The world is yours. Convo’s here to support your VRS needs anytime and anywhere, no matter where you are.

Don’t forget to send a postcard to your loved ones! We got your back.

Learn more about Convo Passport and get yours now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why should I get my Convo Passport?

Convo Passport allows you to make calls to or from the United States anytime while traveling internationally. If you don’t have Convo Passport, you won’t be able to make calls to or from the United States. When you have Convo Passport, you can feel safe and secure knowing you’ll be able to make calls in case of emergencies.

When should I get my Convo Passport?

We strongly recommend getting your Convo Passport as soon as you have confirmed your travel dates, as it takes a few business days for the FCC to approve your request.

Can I make a local call in a country outside the U.S. with Convo Passport?

No, you can only make calls to or from the United States. This is based on FCC regulations.

Will my information be shared or used in any way?

We need to inform the FCC that you’re traveling overseas so that they know you may use VRS while traveling. You’ll be covered when you fill out your information and get your Convo Passport!

How do I request a Convo Passport?

There are two ways you can request your Convo Passport.

Computer:

• Go to profile.convorelay.com
• Click on the Passport tab in the top right corner
• Fill out the traveling information
• Click on “Request Passport”
• You’re done!

Mobile:

• Go to your Convo app
• Click on three white lines on the top left corner
• Click on your profile name
• You’ll be directed to your Profile page
• Click on the Passport tab in the top right corner
• Fill out the traveling information
• Click on “Request Passport”
• You’re done!

For a visual guide, please go here to find out more.

Is Convo Passport the same as my Passport for travel? 

Nope, your Convo Passport and U.S. Citizenship Passport are two different things. 

I registered for a Convo passport and can still not make or receive calls. 

That’s no fun! Here’s a quick guide to follow so you can get back to making calls with your Convo Passport.

• Restart your phone. If it still doesn’t work, try switching to a different WiFi network.
• If it still doesn’t work, try turning off the WiFi and using your cellular data to make calls.
• If it works, reconnect with any WiFi you can find. Go here to find your Internet Protocol (IP) information. Share your IP information with Customer Support for more help.

Note: Countries with established cell service networks will be more likely to connect your calls with Convo Passport than countries without.

How long is my Passport valid?

Your Convo Passport is good for up to 28 days.

I am traveling for more than 28 days. How do I extend my passport? 

You can make multiple Convo Passport requests if you plan to travel for more than 28 days. Make sure that the dates of your second Convo Passport request do not overlap with your first Convo Passport request.

For example, you have an 8-week trip that starts on August 1. In your first Convo Passport request, you should put your dates as August 1 to August 29. In your second Convo Passport request, you must set the dates as August 30 to September 27. This will cover your trip with your Convo Passport.

IMPORTANT: The FCC has waived the rule preventing extensions of passports until June 30, 2023, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After June 30, 2023, this rule may change. We will inform you by then if things have changed.

Can I use my VRS Español number with my Convo Passport? 

Convo Passport only works with English VRS numbers.

Can Convo Passport be applied for in more than two regions at the same time? 

Yes, you can select as many regions as you need. To add multiple regions, type the second region you plan to travel to so you can see a dropdown menu to click on the correct area you are looking for. This process also works if you plan to add more regions when you make your Convo Passport request.

The post Call home anywhere & anytime with Convo Passport appeared first on Convo Communications.