Visual Description: Video begins with a white background with Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services logo of hand holding up three yellow stars. Followed by a light brown-skinned man with slicked back black hair, black gauges, clear glasses and a grey polo, he is using sign language in front of a dark navy blue background.
Transcript: Dear Friends & Family,
I’m reaching out to share exciting news about the Communication Facilitator Project, a new program designed to enhance communication access for DeafBlind and DeafPlus individuals. We understand the importance of staying connected, especially through telecommunication platforms, and we’re thrilled to introduce this resource to help make that possible.
A Communication Facilitator (CF) is a trained professional who supports participants during Video Relay Service (VRS) calls and other video-based calls. CFs visually clarify and reinforce information to ensure that essential details are communicated effectively. Skilled in American Sign Language (ASL), CFs assist participants who may have difficulty seeing the screen or require physical support to express themselves. CFs do not interpret or provide advice and strictly adhere to a professional code of conduct to ensure privacy and respect.
Currently, the Communication Facilitator Project is operating as a pilot program to refine our services and processes. We’re excited to announce that starting in December, we’ll be introducing an on-call service for Communication Facilitators! This service will be available every Tuesday from 1 PM to 4 PM, providing pilot participants with additional support during these hours.
Even more exciting, starting in January, the program will officially open to the public! Individuals interested in participating will need to complete a Participant Intake Form to determine eligibility for the service. This form allows us to assess needs and ensure that our program can provide effective support.
For those interested in joining the program as a participant, we will provide the Participant Intake Form separately, which can be filled out to begin the application process.
This project is already making a difference in helping individuals maintain their independence and connections. We’re thrilled to extend these benefits to more people in our community. Thank you for supporting this essential initiative!
If you have any questions or would like more information about the Communication Facilitator Project, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can ensure better communication access for our loved ones.
Warm regards,
Mark Lucero-Muniz (he/him)
Communication Facilitator Project Leader