Video Relay Service (VRS)

[abbott567]

What

A component to link to Video Relay Service (VRS).

Why

Departments are starting to provide Video Relay Service for people who need sign language interpretation, and it's becoming more popular across all departments.

Because it's new we are seeing a pattern emerging where people just stick a link on the start page.

However, when talking to @timpaul about it, we discussed that there isn't a lot of research around it to know if people know what "Video Relay Service" actually is. Also, some people are BSL monoglots, which means they may not even be able to read a link written in English

Suggestion

There is a common icon for sign language which could probably be incorporated into a component similar to the back link, so that even if people don't know what VRS is, or they can't read the written English, they can still find the sign language interpretation feature.

Edit: Original image is not recommended as it is associated with ALS (American Sign Language) rather than BSL, based on NHS research.

[sarawilcox]

We've started some work on a BSL icon for the NHS website. Once we've pulled together our UR findings, we'll share a link to our GitHub issue, in case it helps.

[abbott567]

Thanks @sarawilcox that would be really useful

[richkelly13]

Hi @abbott567 - we've added our Discovery research into a BSL icon on our following GITHUB issue:
nhsuk/nhsuk-service-manual-community-backlog#4
It would be great to keep the conversation going and leverage any UR you also get in this area.

We're mainly looking to create a BSL icon that let's those who use BSL know that there is a BSL video version available of the same content.

[abbott567]

I've added an edit to my original suggestion as I've been informed the NHS research showed the icon is associated with ASL (American Sign Language) rather than BSL (British Sign Language).