1. Leveraging Technology & Innovation For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Persons in the Federal Sector
Brad Leon
Vice president & Chief Sales Officer
Access Interpreting, Inc.

2. History
Introduction to challenges getting access in the workplace for D/HH employees
Pen/Paper
Isolation
Corporate Ladder = Success

3. The American Disabilities Act
Kick started by Gallaudet University’s Deaf President Now (DPN) movement
Introduced by Senator Tom Hawkins and signed by George Bush in 1990
Technology: TTY, Video Relay Service, Captioning: TV and Movie Theatres
Employment: (Only to those places with 15 or more employees) provide interpreters for interviews, meetings, and various employment functions
Public space/service (15 or more employers does not apply): Interpreters required for any public address toward the community including public services such as the police department.

4. What ADA Provides Deaf/HH
Mandated interpreters for equal communication
Allowed for technology companies to expand their offerings to the disability community

5. Implementation
Ground Work/Foundation for companies working within the Federal Sector providing services to Deaf H/H
Increased benefits of readily available technologies in the workplace
Two new Innovative technologies (uSked & AVIA) *Both utilized at NIH and other Federal/Commercial Sites*
ADA – I moved this here because yes it is important to mention it, but I think its redundant to have in the actual text again.

6. What is it?

7. uSked Requirements Computer: Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X
Mobile: iOS 8 or later, or Marshmallow or later
Software: Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, uSked app from the Apple App Store or Google Play

8. uSked Web-Based

9. uSked – App Based

10. uSked – App Based

11. Benefits
Employee
Create, edit, cancel service requests independent from anyone else
Control independence and choice (Federal Ladder)
DNS/Preferred List
Cutting Edge Technology
Support

12. Benefits Agency Reduce errors = $$ Reduce Overhead = $$
Reporting Metrics (100’s of various report’s)
By Departments, Service Lines
By Time, Date or Individual
Access to latest and greatest inventions such as the uSked app
Allow for individuals to have self-independence and rights with respect to choices.

13. Video Remote Interpreting

14. What is VRI?
VRI stands for Video Remote Interpreting. VRI joins the benefit of face-to-face interpretation with the on-demand nature of the Internet.
A VRI situation is where two parties are in the same location and need an interpreter to communicate effectively. They place a call via the Internet to an interpreter who facilitates a conversation between the two parties. This can happen on demand or for a pre-scheduled event.
I think having all of the content on the slide was too “wordy” and you should have it in your notes to remember to explain it a bit more clearly.

15. How AVIA Works Prescheduled (2 Hours in Advance) On Demand
Log up to 5 min early to prepare your interpreter for the prescheduled meeting
Add a preferred List of Interpreters
Add a DNS list
Add Prep Information; PowerPoints, Excel, Agenda, Etc…
Select a preferred gender
On Demand
Up to 3 minutes to connect meeting
Here I would make a note to yourself to remember to mention that even though VRI has been available technological advancements has allowed for the development of on-demand and app based VRI

16. AVIA Requirements Computer: Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X
Mobile: iOS 8 or later, or Marshmallow or later
Software: Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, AVIA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play

18. Once connected, you will see your AVIA interpreter.
What It Looks Like
Once connected, you will see your AVIA interpreter.
Privacy – Click the self-view video box to enable video and audio privacy.
Session Time – This counter shows the length of time for your current conversation.
Text Chat – Click to activate the chat field and type messages to your AVIA interpreter as needed.

20. Market and Usage Research of AVIA at NIH
AVIA Pilot
Market and Usage Research of AVIA at NIH
We conducted focus groups to get a better sense of how AVIA could be best utilized in a federal workplace. The following are the results that we found and think they can be applied across all venues.

21. Pilot Results- NIH Best Uses for AVIA:
Last minute needs
Small group meetings
Water cooler conversations
Meetings less than 60 minutes
Deaf or Hearing users can initiate a conversation

22. Pilot Results- What Does it Mean?
Supplement to the onsite interpreters
Guaranteed access
Potential Cost Savings
Deaf Empowerment in the workplace “Anytime, Anywhere”
Guaranteed Access – Means you are always in compliance with ADA
“Anytime, Anywhere” – convenience

23. Final Thoughts
Innovation & technology can be as valuable as you allow it to be. Access strives to promote and include it in our everyday lives. Over 70% of our internal staff are Deaf.
As we strive to promote and implement technology in our everyday environments, we will level the playing field for all individuals, allowing equal access for all within every federal agency.
uSked and AVIA adopted throughout Federal and Commercial sectors.

24. QUESTIONS? Thank you for your time!
For additional information contact Brad Leon at