4: Who benefits from accessibility?

How does accessibility help people who are deaf or hard of hearing?




A deaf person can sign to an interpreter through video messaging, and the interpreter can relay the message to the recipient, who may not be deaf and/or understand sign language.

Caption: Video relay services enable deaf, hard-of-hearing and speech-impaired people to communicate with hearing people over video telephones using sign language.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing may use

  • captioned text for videos or audio information;
  • text messaging using instant messaging programs, pagers, or other mobile devices;
  • text and video relay services using a handheld device or computer;
  • sign language and oral interpreters;
  • video interpreter services; or
  • assistive listening devices.

Note: You can make a call to a person who is deaf using the video relay service of your choice. These services are free and easy to use.

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