Video Remote Sign Language Interpreting
Professional, on-demand sign language interpreters to meet you where you’re at via any internet enabled device.
Video Remote Interpreting Services
Everyone has the right to have clear access to information regardless of the time, place, or conditions. The Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, aims to guarantee communication access for Americans who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and late deafened. In today’s post-COVID environment, communication has significantly shifted to online channels, and remote services are leading the way in providing equal-access for these modalities.
While some VRI services can be requested on-demand, other VRI services, such as job interviews or presentations, may require special advance arrangements to ensure optimal interpretation.
Still other situations are not ideal for VRI services, such as legal and medical settings, due to the high-risk associated with misunderstandings or environmental factors, and for such situations an in-person interpreter should be requested. To ensure your organization is properly using VRI services, reach out to an ICS service coordinator for a no-cost, risk-free consultation.
What is VRI or Video Remote Interpreting?
As people increasingly incorporate technology into their daily routines, the changing needs of Deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers are sparking organizations to adopt Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services into their daily appointments, meetings, and events. Applicable to both virtual and on-site events and for when parties are in the same room or connecting remotely, VRI ensures equal-access for organizations’ diverse workforce and customers.
VRI is a convenient and cost-effective alternative to in-person interpreting services. VRI uses internet-enabled devices to provide real-time interpreting services via a two-way video channel. A strong and stable internet connection and a video-capable device are all that you need to launch this service, making VRI a quick, seamless, and highly accessible solution for organizations that may need communication access at a moment’s notice or as a backup alternative while awaiting an in-person interpreter en route.
Who Can Benefit from VRI? How does VRI work?
When an in-person sign language interpreter is not available for a meeting or event, VRI serves as an acceptable alternative for providing equal access to Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use sign language. The flexibility and speed-of-access that VRI provides has provided tremendous benefit to individuals looking to overcome language and cultural barriers. Nonetheless, VRI is not intended to replace the invaluable benefit of an in-person interpreter and should only be utilized on a case-by-case basis.
Connecting to VRI services is a simple process. Once a meeting is scheduled or a language boundary is identified, you can request on-demand or scheduled VRI sign language interpreting services by emailing requests@inclusiveasl.com or calling (347) 927-5770. Our professional service coordinators will evaluate both the situation and consumers’ accessibility needs to identify the ideal interpreter(s).
Our service coordinators take exceptional consideration of multiple accessibility factors including meeting topics, communication preferences, interpreter qualifications, and cultural dynamics to ensure an inclusive experience. Once services are confirmed, you can send or request an online meeting link to connect with your interpreter at the time of services. Once both parties are connected, you’re ready to go! The VRI interpreter will interpret all communications and cultural nuances for the duration of the call until your communication goals are met.
Why Choose Inclusive Communication Services for Video Remote Interpreting Services?
Whether this is your first time working with a VRI interpreter or you’re a frequest VRI requester, when you work with ICS, you’re in good hands! Inclusive Communication Services makes the process easy by guiding you step-by-step through the request and set up process to ensure your service session goes as smooth as possible. Get connected with a VRI interpreter in as little as an hour. All you need is a webcam and a reliable internet connection – let our professional sign language interpreters handle the rest!
ICS’s VRI services make an excellent accessibility solution for community organizations, corporations, and government offices. To request these or other accessible accommodation services or to ask a question, contact an ICS service coordinator.
Tips for Working with Video Remote Interpreters
- Request a video remote sign language interpreter or captioner as soon as your meeting or event is scheduled. Booking your accommodation services early ensures the optimal professional for your request.
- A strong internet connection and a clear web camera are essential for remote interpretation. Allott 10-15 minutes prior to the beginning of a VRI call to ensure all participants are properly connected.
- Respect the interpreters’ scheduled end-time. If you need to extend your service request, reach out to a coordinator immediately.
- If you communicate through sign language, ensure your video is clear for the interpreter to see and understand you. If possible, position yourself with a solid background.
- If you communicate through speech, ensure your audo is clear for the interpreter to hear and understand you. If possible, connect to the call in a quiet room where you will not be interrupted.
- Have patience with technology. If the internet freezes or lags, ask the consumer and/or the interpreter to repeat anything that was missed.
- If you intend to record, reproduce, or distribute the interpreter's work, please inform the coordinator in advance. Recording, reproducing, or distributing an interpreter's work without conset carries potential legal repercussions.
- Still unsure? Reach out to a coordinator to ask a question or discuss how to prepare for your service request.
Sign language, Captioning, and Accessible Media Services
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