Direct Video Calling (DVC) is one-to-one video communication provided by a call center to allow conversations to occur between two callers using American Sign Language (ASL).
After creating a DVC program:
How Do I Set Up a Direct Video Calling Program?
Fortunately, the technology needed to implement a Direct Video Calling system is easily obtainable, affordable and also easy to set up.
As part of the Accessible Communications for Everyone (ACE) initiative, the Federal Communications Commission brought together telecommunications and video relay services users, software developers, engineers, researchers and community members to develop ACE Direct. ACE Direct is open source video software that can be used by consumer-facing call centers in government organizations and private sector companies, which allows callers who use American Sign Language to directly interact with customer service representatives.
Visit ACE Direct to learn how easy it is to implement Direct Video Calling.
Get ACE Direct Today for Free
DVC Updates
Resources, Blogs, Releases, Events, Videos and More
Resources
- Direct Video Calling Primer (PowerPoint || PDF)
- ACE Direct - A free, open source Direct Video Calling Center Platform developed by the FCC
- Direct Video Calling Factsheet
Blogs
April 11, 2018 - Robert McConnell & David Schmidt | Team Leads, FCC Direct Video Calling Initiative
With ‘Direct Video Calling’, FCC Helps Open Phone Lines to ASL Users | CitiesSpeak
April 14, 2015 - Tom Wheeler | FCC Chairman
Direct Video Communication: Access for People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Speech Disabled in an IP World
June 11, 2014 - Greg Hlibok | Chief, Disability Rights Office
FCC Launches Direct Video Communication Access to Help Consumers Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Releases
May 15, 2019 - Report and Order
FCC Acts to Improve Video Relay Service and Expand Options for Users
March 23, 2017 - Report and Order, Notice of Inquiry, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Order
FCC Seeks Comments on Proposed Direct Video Calling Customer Support Services Rules
January 18, 2017 - Order and Declaratory Ruling
VTC Secure, LLC granted waiver to access TRS Numbering Directory for Direct Video Calling
September 30, 2016 - Public Notice
FCC To Hold Direct Video Calling Showcase
July 18, 2016 - Public Notice
WCB and CGB Seek Comment on VTCSecure LLC Petition
November 18, 2015 - Public Notice
Release Of Auto Call Routing (ACR) "Cookbook" Enabling DVC
August 20, 2015 - News Release
FCC Plans Open Source Accessibility Platform
June 10, 2014 - News Release
FCC Adds American Sign Language Consumer Support Line for Videophone
June 10, 2014 - News Release
Gallaudet hosts leaders from Small Business Administration, FCC to Announce New Videophone Service for Deaf Entrepreneurs
Events
November 4, 2016
Direct Video Calling Showcase & Demonstration of ACE Direct Platform
Videos
GET STARTED!
Become a leader in accessible communication! Contact us at DVC@FCC.gov for more information about ACE Direct.
Note: Direct video calling does NOT replace the need for telecommunications relay services or and video relay services. Some people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf blind or speech- disabled who do not know American Sign Language may still need to communicate through a text-based relay system or through a speech- to-speech relay service, which uses specially trained operators to facilitate communication on a telephone call.