Sign Language Interpretation:
The National Association of the Deaf Regarding Video Remote Interpreting (VRI); Taken Directly From NAD.ORG:
“Federal civil rights laws require covered entities to ensure effective communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. For people who communicate primarily in American Sign Language, qualified interpreter services may be necessary.
When in-person, on-site interpreting services are not immediately available, technology now provides for an interim solution in the form of off-site interpreting services, called Video Remote Interpreting (VRI). VRI uses video conferencing technology, equipment, and a high speed Internet connection with sufficient bandwidth to provide the services of a qualified interpreter, usually located at a call center, to people at a different location. VRI is currently being used in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, physicians’ offices, mental health care settings, police stations, schools, financial institutions, and workplaces. Entities may contract for VRI services to be provided by appointment or to be available “on demand” 24 hours a day, seven days per week. As such, there are significant possibilities for the use of VRI technology and services. While there are many benefits to using VRI services, there are limits to the effectiveness of VRI in some settings including but not limited to medical, legal, and court situations. In such settings, the NAD strongly believes that VRI services should be provided only if on-site interpreter services are unavailable.
The NAD continues to advocate for the development of standards and protocols for the proper and effective use of VRI.”
Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) Services for Sign Language Interpretation:
Video remote interpreting is a language service that uses telecommunication software to connect people who are in need of an interpreter via the internet. VRI ensures effective communication is facilitated without the physical presence of an interpreter. Despite the lack of an interpreter being physically present, VRI keeps the visual aspects such as facial expressions, body language and visual cues intact. This creates a superior platform in which remote sign language interpretation can be provided. VRI can be pre-scheduled or accessed on-demand with little to no wait time. When there is a medical emergency and no time to wait on the arrival of an on-site interpreter, professional ASL interpreters can be accessed in a timely manner through the usage of VRI. VRI has created a platform that was much needed in the fight to eliminate discrimination and breakdown language barriers that the Deaf community faces on a regular basis. This technologically advanced sign language interpretation service is opening doors and helping to create equal access despite language barriers.
Is One Professional Sign Language Service Better Than the Other?:
After reviewing both services it’s clear to see the advantages to both. Having options when it comes to sign language interpretation services is amazing and can only benefit the community as a whole.
If your business, organization or facility is in need of sign language interpretation services such as on-site interpretation or video remote interpretation (VRI), contact Niki’s Int’l Ltd., a professional language service company (LSC). They can help you set up a language access plan that will include all the services you need in order to communicate effectively. Regardless of which sign language interpertation service you decide to use or if you use both, making the accomodations to bridge language gaps and eliminate discrimination faced by the Deaf community is a step in the right direction, allow Niki’s Int’l Ltd. to help you make that step.
Niki’s Int’l Ltd. is a WBENC-Certified Women Business Enterprise with 20 years of language service experience. A global network of highly skilled interpreters and translators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for on-site, telephonic and video remote interpretation services. Our linguists are available in over 350 languages and dialects, and our network includes certified interpreters and translators. Our work is guaranteed with a $1 Million Errors & Omissions policy so that you can be confident that your project will be completed with the highest level of quality and professionalism within the field. For more information contact us at 1-877-567-8449 or visit our website at www.nilservices.com.