| If your medical office just accepted its first deaf | | | | For clients with frequent interpreter needs, I |
| patient, or a deaf employee is required to attend your | | | | recommend an all-in-one unit such as the Tandberg |
| in-house training program, you need to find a sign | | | | 150 MXP for ease of use and crystal clear audio and |
| language interpreter to make sure your business | | | | video transmission. |
| complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act | | | | Clients with occasional assignments can utilize a PC |
| (ADA). | | | | and webcam to connect directly to VRI agencies such |
| If your office is located in a large city, you should be | | | | as Accessible Communication for the Deaf (ACD). |
| able to locate a certified American Sign Language | | | | Once a client enters contact and billing information, and |
| (ASL) interpreting agency in your area. Live | | | | sets up a free SightSpeed account, they could have |
| interpreters can be pricey – around $60 to $80 per | | | | an interpreter assisting their patient, customer, or |
| hour during normal business hours, and more during | | | | employee in as little as 10 minutes. |
| evenings and weekends. Live in-person ASL | | | | While some situations require an in-person interpreter, |
| interpreters normally require a 2-hour minimum and | | | | improved technology and faster Internet connections |
| sometimes extra for travel time, mileage, and parking | | | | make VRI the preferred solution for many interpreting |
| fees . | | | | needs: |
| The VRI Alternative: | | | | * legal – courtroom, arraignments, police interviews, |
| Technology is changing the way sign language | | | | probation, prison, depositions |
| interpreters do business. | | | | * medical – routine medical appointments, medicine |
| Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) allows deaf and | | | | checks, hospital discharge |
| hearing individuals in the same location to communicate | | | | * education – college and K-12 classrooms |
| using a qualified ASL interpreter in a remote location. | | | | * business – job interviews, staff meetings, safety |
| VRI allows access to sign language interpreters when | | | | training |
| traditional in-person services may not be available or | | | | * government – public meetings and forums, social |
| cost effective. | | | | services, employee meetings |
| Advantages of VRI over traditional in-person | | | | Finding a qualified sign language interpreter has never |
| interpreting: | | | | been easier. With VRI, you can forget about: |
| 1. all interpreters are well-trained, certified, and | | | | -two hour minimum charges |
| experienced | | | | -delays and scheduling problems |
| 2. available 24/7 without delays or two hour minimums | | | | -travel expenses |
| 3. equipment is inexpensive, easy to use, and free of | | | | -mileage |
| leasing fees | | | | -parking expenses |
| 4. can attach equipment to any room TV or computer | | | | -cancellation fees |
| monitor | | | | Pay only for the interpreting services you actually use. |
| 5. confidential, secure, and private communications via | | | | Assignments can be scheduled in advance or |
| the Internet (encrypted) | | | | immediately in emergency situations. |
| VRI is compatible with most video and | | | | How to request VRI services and find a sign language |
| teleconferencing equipment on the market today, | | | | interpreter: |
| including: | | | | 1. set up a free account with billing information, credit |
| - videophone and broadband connection | | | | card, and interpreting preferences |
| - computer, webcam, and broadband with our online | | | | 2. check video and audio compatibility |
| video service | | | | 3. schedule an appointment for interpreting or request |
| - traditional video conferencing equipment such as | | | | an immediate interpreter |
| Tandberg and Polycom | | | | 4. |