U.S. Deaf Sports Federation Announces Relay Service Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Travelers to the Deaflympics in Japan
- Bilal Chinoy
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Contact:
U.S. Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF)
Email: info@usdeafsports.org
Website: https://www.usdeafsports.org
U.S. Deaf Sports Federation Announces Relay Service Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Travelers to the Deaflympics in Japan
Tokyo, Japan — November 14, 2025 — The U.S. Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) is pleased to announce two major updates that will make communication easier for Deaf and hard of hearing athletes, families, and fans traveling to Japan for the upcoming Deaflympics.
First, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has waived the requirement for Video Relay Service (VRS) users to register with their providers before leaving the United States.
This means Deaf and hard of hearing U.S. citizens can make VRS calls in Japan using their preferred provider—just as they do at home. The waiver is valid from November 1 through December 10.
Second, travelers will now have access to ASL-to-spoken-Japanese relay services, made possible through the Nippon Foundation Telecommunications Relay Service (NFTRS). This service allows users to communicate directly with Japanese-speaking businesses and individuals using ASL while in Japan. The NFTRS service will be available from October 27 through November 26.
Information and access links for these services will be shared on the USADSF website and through official Deaflympics communication channels. “These relay service updates ensure that Deaf and hard of hearing athletes and their families can stay connected, informed, and empowered while representing Team USA abroad,” said Jeffrey Mansfield, President of the U.S. Deaf Sports Federation. “Access and communication are essential parts of inclusion, and we are proud to support this advancement for our community.”
USADSF encourages all travelers to share this information with others who are coming to the Deaflympics—and to help keep everyone connected.
Stay proud. Go USA.
About the U.S. Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF)
The U.S. Deaf Sports Federation is a non-profit organization recognized by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) as the national governing body for Deaf sports in the United States. USADSF works to empower Deaf and hard of hearing athletes to achieve excellence in sport and life through equal access, advocacy, and global competition opportunities.
Media Contact:
U.S. Deaf Sports Federation
