What is video remote interpreting (VRI)?

by Target Language Translation Services

- October 27 2021

Video remote interpreting (VRI) is a modern, technologically advanced form of sign language interpreting that allows people who are limited English proficient (LEP) or who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate with a hearing person at the same site utilizing telecommunication software via the internet instead of live, on-site interpreting. VRI is especially useful when there is a lack of available qualified interpreters, such as at a rural location; and when an interpreter is needed immediately and there is no available interpreter on-site.

This user friendly and cost effective language solution is being implemented in hospitals, healthcare facilities, mental health offices, educational environments, courtrooms, and in business settings to bridge language gaps. VRI works by utilizing videoconferencing equipment at both locations. The interpreter, who is typically at a call center, uses a headset to hear what the hearing person says. As the hearing person speaks, the interpreter signs everything said to a web camera. When the person who is deaf replies via their web camera, the interpreter sees and voices the interpretation. The person who is deaf and the person who is hearing can talk back and forth, just as if the interpreter was in the same room.

How to successfully implement video remote interpreting (VRI) services?

Here are a few tips to ensure you have the best experience and quality interpreting with VRI.

Ensure a good connection

During a meeting or presentation, it can be interruptive when technical difficulties take place, such as a bad connection, making the presenter look unprepared and the viewers distracted. Therefore, make sure to have a good internet connection.

Most interpreting services provide software that you can utilize with high-speed internet and a strong bandwidth. This is very crucial because it can be counter-productive to have technical difficulties, especially for organizations like healthcare facilities where effective communication is absolutely significant. Offering a good connection will help the interpretation run smoothly and everyone involved can feel connected and informed.

Take care of your surroundings

The main goal of having an interpreter is to effectively get the message across to all the parties. It may be hard for an interpreter to effectively perform quality information if there is excess background noise. Also, it can be very difficult for an interpreter to effectively carry a message if the people who need interpretation have constant interruptions.

Treat the interpretation session like any professional conference and seclude only the people involved to eliminate confusion. Video should be used, especially if it can be implemented in a controlled environment where camera and monitor placement do not intrude on eye contact and interpersonal interaction.

Get good audio available

Have good audio like a microphone connection so interpreters can hear effectively and relay the message accurately. Bad audio can cause the information to be misunderstood and could possibly offend the people involved. The interpreter might communicate the wrong message because he/she might have heard something incorrectly. In extreme circumstances, the audio might be so bad it cuts out or stops working altogether, which may cause an inappropriate interruption or cause the appointment to be rescheduled.  It’s important to have good audio readily available to avoid looking unprofessional.

Benefits of video remote interpreting (VRI)

VRI minimizes confusion and aids in avoiding miscommunications that can occur when language barriers are present. It is accessible through an online platform which makes it easy to connect with an interpreter regardless of your location or the time zone you’re located in.

Gaining access to VRI is easily done by partnering with a reputable language service company. Target Language Translation is dedicated to providing a secure high resolution video and audio connection, it will feel as if the interpreter is in the room with you. Video remote interpreting blends the convenient remote features of over-the-phone (OPI) interpretation with the precision and effectiveness of on-site interpretation. The professionals at Target Language Translation will assess your language needs and gather information to help you. Once a partnership has been made and the technology is implemented, VRI can successfully be integrated into your organization, business or facility. When using VRI everyone has access to experienced and specialized interpreters regardless of location, time zone or uncontrollable circumstances.

This article is reprinted from Niki’s Int’l Ltd., DO-IT and iTi.

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