HOUSTON -- New technology is helping the hearing impaired communicate with everyone, KPRC Local 2 reported Wednesday.

Martha Scribner is an Americans with Disabilities Act Counselor at Houston Community College.

She is also deaf and over the years, has relied on typing and notes to communicate with the hearing.

Her co-worker and HCC Lead ADA Counselor John Reno explained, "If I wanted to talk to (Martha) and (she) didn't have (an) interpreter, I would get on an instant messaging program and (she) would get on an instant messaging program and although we'd be a few paces down the hall from each other, we would at least communicate, but that was kind of slow."

Now, Martha uses Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), new technology designed by Houston-based Communication Axess Ability Group (CAAG).

Through an interpreter, Martha told KPRC Local 2, "I can't believe how much it really makes my life easier."

The VRI works with a laptop and Web cam or video conferencing equipment to connect the deaf with certified interpreters who are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CAAG interpreter Brian Derterman, who's been deaf since infancy, said this technology would have come in handy when he ended up in the emergency room.

Derterman explained, "So eight hours waiting in the emergency room just for an interpreter whereas the hearing patients came in came and went. So, with video remote, that would just save a lot of time."

Without VRI, a deaf person must request an interpreter.

CAAG owner Rita Wedgeworth said, "Typically what would happen is they would call an agency, we would call an interpreter. The interpreter would have to get out of bed and get dressed that takes some time, and then to get there. So with this, it's just a matter of getting out of bed and going to a computer at my house."

For Martha, it's about self-sufficiency.

She explained, "I felt helpless without it, so I can't imagine life without the video phone now."

CAAG said VRI could potentially save businesses 15 to 20 percent in costs for providing interpreters when you talk about their travel time and fees.