| Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is a fee-based | | | | have some familiarity with video and electronics. |
| sign language interpreting service delivered via | | | | Some companies like NexTalk are delivering a |
| videoconferencing equipment or webcam over | | | | total solution that can take advantage of |
| the Internet. The hearing and deaf individuals are | | | | whatever equipment is in place and be available |
| in one location while the interpreter is located in a | | | | with a couple of clicks. |
| second remote location. | | | | Before using VRI, you would want to test: |
| VRI is suitable for a number of situations including | | | | - cameras |
| medical, legal, educational, and psychiatric. | | | | - lighting |
| When used in the right settings, VRI is fast, | | | | - microphones |
| convenient, and economical. Hospitals and | | | | - background |
| businesses can eliminate the need to pay for | | | | - environmental noise |
| interpreter mileage, parking, and the traditional 2 | | | | - seating arrangements All VRI interpreters |
| hour minimum fee. | | | | provided by your local or distant agencies should |
| Benefits: | | | | be certified and adhere to the NAD-RID Code of |
| - fast | | | | Professional Conduct. Confidentiality is paramount |
| - available 24/7 | | | | in a medical setting, and the equipment and |
| - instant access | | | | software used by hospitals and clinics must be |
| - can schedule specialized interpreters with | | | | HIPAA compliant. |
| advanced skills in medical or legal signs | | | | In a medical environment, the deaf or |
| - available on-demand or by appointment VRI | | | | hard-of-hearing patient can request an on-site |
| may not be the best option for: | | | | interpreter be provided. |
| - patients with poor vision | | | | While hearing clients may prefer VRI, the goal is |
| - some mental health appointments | | | | effective communication. A doctor should judge |
| - patient is heavily medicated | | | | whether or not VRI can provide that level of |
| - patient cannot see the screen | | | | communication with a deaf patient. |
| - sensitive communications | | | | Video Remote Interpreting is not an absolute |
| - abstract language (ASL is not the same as | | | | alternative to on-site interpreters in all situations, |
| English) | | | | but it is viable and economical in many more |
| - children or foreign born deaf Minimum | | | | settings than it is currently employed. |
| requirements: | | | | In tough economic time, hospitals, courts, and |
| - webcam and highspeed Internet connection or | | | | schools need to determine where VRI will provide |
| - videoconferencing equipment and broadband | | | | the better, more economical solution to their sign |
| Internet or ISDN line The technical component of | | | | language interpreting needs. |
| VRI requires that staff at the requesting facility | | | | |