Videophone Calls for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Prisoners at Huron Valley Women's: What Families Need to Know

MDOC and GTL offer Videophone as an accommodation for prisoners who can't effectively use a traditional telephone but can communicate non-verbally. To be clear: Videophones are not video visitation. This is an accessibility tool designed to make real-time communication possible when a standard phone call - even with an amplifier - doesn't work.

Videophone access isn't automatic. Families can't just turn it on. Each prisoner must be individually authorized through both the facility and the Statewide ADA Coordinators. If your loved one expects to make Videophone calls, the first step is confirming they've actually been approved for the accommodation.

On your end, Videophone calls run through GTL's Visit Now (Go Visits) platform. Once you're verified there, you can receive Videophone calls much like you'd receive regular phone calls from someone in custody. You're not scheduling a visit time - you're simply set up so the prisoner can reach you when they call.

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• ✓ Videophone calls are limited to 30 minutes per call.
• ✓ There is currently no charge for Videophone calls, but MDOC may change that in the future (up to the cost of a traditional telephone call).
• ✓ Videophone calls follow MDOC telephone and visiting rules, and a call can be terminated for behavior that would end an in-person visit (for example, nudity or obscene actions).

1. Get verified on GTL Visit Now (Go Visits) - Videophone calls go through this platform, and verified visitors can receive calls the way they would receive traditional telephone calls.
2. Confirm your loved one is authorized to use Videophones - the prisoner must be approved by the facility and the Statewide ADA Coordinators before Videophone calls are allowed.
3. Direct prisoner-specific questions to the facility first - for questions about a specific prisoner, prisoner property, or visiting grievances, contact the facility where they’re housed. MDOC also lists central office numbers on its “For Families” page if you need a starting point.
4. Note: The information available publicly doesn’t list a Huron Valley-specific ADA contact for Videophone requests, so starting with the facility is usually the most practical move.