If your medical office just accepted its first deaf patient, or a deaf employee is required to attend your in-house training program, you need to find a sign language interpreter to make sure your business complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If your office is located in a large city, you should be able to locate a certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting Agency in your area Traduzione Simultanea. Live interpreters can be pricey – around $60 to $80 per hour during normal business hours, and more during evenings and weekends. Live in-person ASL interpreters normally require a 2-hour minimum and sometimes extra for travel time, mileage, and parking fees .
The VRI alternative:
Technology is changing the way sign language interpreters do business.
Video remote interpreting (VRI) allows deaf and hearing individuals in the same location to communicate using a qualified asl interpreter in a remote location. VRI allows access to sign language interpreters when traditional in-person services may not be available or cost effective.
Advantages of vri over traditional in-person interpreting:
- All interpreters are well-trained, certified, and experienced
- Available 24/7 without delays or two hour minimums
- Equipment is inexpensive, easy to use, and free of leasing fees
- Can attach equipment to any room tv or computer monitor
- Confidential, secure, and private communications via the internet (encrypted)
VRI is compatible with most video and teleconferencing equipment on the market today, including:
- Videophone and broadband connection
- Computer, webcam, and broadband with our online video service
- Traditional video conferencing equipment such as tandberg and polycom
For clients with frequent interpreter needs, I recommend an all-in-one unit such as the tandberg 150 mxp for ease of use and crystal clear audio and video transmission.
Clients with occasional assignments can utilize a pc and webcam to connect directly to vri agencies such as accessible communication for the deaf (acd). Once a client enters contact and billing information, and sets up a free sightspeed account, they could have an interpreter assisting their patient, customer, or employee in as little as 10 minutes.
While some situations require an in-person interpreter, improved technology and faster internet connections make vri the preferred solution for many interpreting needs:
- Legal – courtroom, arraignments, police interviews, probation, prison, depositions
- Medical – routine medical appointments, medicine checks, hospital discharge
- Education – college and k-12 classrooms
- Business – job interviews, staff meetings, safety training
- Government – public meetings and forums, social services, employee meetings
Finding a qualified sign language interpreter has never been easier. With vri, you can forget about:
-Two hour minimum charges
-Delays and scheduling problems
-Travel expenses
-Mileage
-Parking expenses
-Cancellation fees
Pay only for the interpreting services you actually use. Assignments can be scheduled in advance or immediately in emergency situations.
How to request vri services and find a sign language interpreter:
- Set up a free account with billing information, credit card, and interpreting preferences
- Check video and audio compatibility
- Schedule an appointment for interpreting or request an immediate interpreter
- Begin your clear vri interpreting session