SignOn: A Sign Language Interpreting Resource, Inc. Video Remote Interpreting Alyson Boote SignOn, Inc.

VRI: What is it? The Basics VRI or VRS? Equipment requirements Applications of VRI Challenges to VRI Benefits Cost SignOn: A Sign Language Interpreting Resource, Inc.

Video Remote Interpreting SignOn: A Sign Language Interpreting Resource, Inc. 2 people in same location. They don’t share the same language. (spoken and signed languages alike) They need an interpreter. Interpreter appears on screen from a remote location.

SignOn: A Sign Language Interpreting Resource, Inc. Video Remote Interpreting Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is a substitute for an on-site interpreter Deaf/Hearing Participant in same room, Interpreter is remote

But wait… what’s VRS then? Video Relay Service is for telephonic communication, an accommodation for Deaf/HoH people to use telephone. Deaf/Hearing Participant in different locations. DEAF CALLERVRS INTERPRETER HEARING CALLER

Review: VRI or VRS? VRI Parties in same room, interpreter is remote Substitute for on-site interpreter Unregulated Funded by requestor VRS Parties in separate locations Accommodation for Deaf/HoH for telephone Regulated by FCC Funded by tax payers SignOn: A Sign Language Interpreting Resource, Inc.

What you need: Equipment Screen Computer Mobile device Television Videophone Webcam Microphone/Speakers

SignOn: A Sign Language Interpreting Resource, Inc. What You Need: Internet Bandwidth Internet speed of 2 Mbps (up/down) preferred WiFi 4G Cellular signals

SignOn: A Sign Language Interpreting Resource, Inc. Applications of VRI Legal Hearings Post Secondary Ed Medical Government/Business Staff Meetings One on One Meetings Trainings Last minute appointments

Challenges to VRI It is important to evaluate the appropriateness of any situation where VRI might be used. Not all situations are appropriate, but sometimes a video interpreter is better than no interpreter at all. Will VRI interpreter be more qualified than a local interpreter? Will client go without any communication access if VRI is not offered? SignOn: A Sign Language Interpreting Resource, Inc.

Challenges to VRI Evaluate the appropriateness for situations involving: Children Mental Health Court Settings with deaf client providing testimony SignOn: A Sign Language Interpreting Resource, Inc.

Benefits of VRI Inclusion via communication access Interpreter present when physically impossible Includes rural as well as city areas Cost Savings

SignOn: A Sign Language Interpreting Resource, Inc. Cost of Service Onsite Interpreting 2 hour minimum charges Travel Time 48 hour cancelations Video Remote Interpreting Simple rate structure (per minute, some hourly) No travel 24 hour cancelation Available on short notice