Join the VRS Today! Campaign

British Sign Language (BSL) users do not have equal access to telecommunications in the UK. Existing text-based services are slow and outdated – they force BSL users to communicate in their second language, English.

Video Relay Services (VRS) is a proven technology which creates equal access to telecommunications for sign language users, and for the hearing who wish to communicate with them. VRS has been universally available in the US for many years, provided by several operators.

VRS in the UK is not currently universally available; it will require support from the Government and the regulator Ofcom to make universal VRS a reality for BSL users.

We need your support to make universal VRS a reality for the BSL community. Get involved today!


VRS 2012 Campaign

2011 achieved a great deal, and a successful outcome is in sight in 2012. However, this requires a continued effort and commitment from the VRS Today! team and its supporters to ensure that the views of the BSL community are heard at every stage so that we can see the introduction of VRS.

In particular, we need to watch out for:

  • - Ofcom’s response to submissions from the Deaf community and the public on its proposals to introduce restricted VRS. The responses given from the BSL community were overwhelmingly against restrictions on VRS, so it will be interesting to see how Ofcom respond to these concerns.
  • - Ofcom will introduce a further consultation on the implementation of VRS – VRS Today will keep you informed of how to respond and make sure the BSL community’s concerns are heard.
  • - Further meetings between telcos, MPs, Ofcom, VRS providers and the Government. These meetings will hope to build more consensus about the need for universal VRS.

Any questions, email us at info@vrstoday.com



Get involved!




Interested in bringing telecoms equality for the BSL community in the UK? There are several ways you can make a difference in the fight to make universal VRS a reality.

  • Write to your MP
  • Create a video
  • Tell your family, friends and colleagues!

    • Together we can make universal VRS a reality in the UK!