FAQ@DLL
Video Remote Interpreting
Getting an American Sign
Language interpreter
has never been easier!
by the Disability Linkage Line
Staff
Q: How can I find a good — and
affordable — ASL interpreter?
A: A new service now
makes it easier and more economical to obtain sign language interpreter
services; it’s called Video Remote
Interpreting (VRI).
With VRI it is no longer necessary for an interpreter to physically
appear where the deaf and hearing person are meeting.
“VRI uses
internet-based video phones to bring a qualified interpreter
to your meeting location via a television screen.”
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Instead, VRI
uses internet-based video phones to bring a qualified interpreter
to your meeting location via a television screen.
Using an interpreter
who is “off-site” has several advantages:
1. you usually pay for interpreter
time in 15 minute increments (versus the required in-person flat-fee
charge for two hours)
2. it is easier to schedule
interpreters on short notice
3. it can help address the
issue of interpreter shortage / unavailability by “transporting” an
interpreter to your locale via technology
4. in rural areas,
it can save people money since they don’t have to pay for
an interpreter’s travel time and mileage
To use VRI, all you
need is videophone equipment and a high-speed internet
“In rural
areas, [VRI] can save people money since they don’t
have to pay for an interpreter’s travel time and
mileage.”
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connection.
More information about the needed technology can be found online
from two local providers of VRI services: Sorenson www.sorensonvri.com/what/ and
CSD—Communication Services
for the Deaf www.csdinterpretingonline.com/.
And remember, VRI can be used in employment, medical, legal, social
service and many other settings.
Finally, many different nonprofit and for-profit organizations provide
VRI services. You can find other providers by calling the Disability
Linkage Line (DLL) at 1-866-333-2466.
The DLL provides free, disability-related information and assistance
for Minnesotans. ![]()
If you have additional questions about telework, please call the
Disability Linkage Line at 1-866-333-2466. The DLL provides free,
disability-related information and assistance for Minnesotans. DLL
does not endorse any particular Web site or provider. They assume
no responsibility for transactions between the readers of this article
and listed organizations.
