From Jamie Berke,
Your Guide to Deafness.
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With video remote interpreting (VRI), a deaf person is in a room with video conferencing equipment. This equipment can be a computer with a web camera or a videophone. An interpreter is not in the room, but appears on screen. This remote interpreter, working in a call center, listens through a headset to what is being said and interprets it. The deaf person watches the interpreter on the screen. Likewise, the interpreter is able to see the deaf person via the camera.

Another way to use VRI services is to have the interpreter be in the same room with the deaf person, while the hearing person is in another location with video conferencing equipment. Then the interpreter can interpret "in person" for the deaf person, while watching and listening to the hearing person remotely. Or vice versa -- the interpreter is sitting with the hearing person while the deaf person watches remotely.

Although at first glance they may look the same, there is a difference between Video Relay Services (VRS) and VRI. The key difference is that with a VRS call, the interpreter is interpreting a normal telephone call made by one party to the other. A VRI interpreter is a substitute for a live, physically present interpreter. VRI is available 24 hours a day and works best for one-on-one meetings or for small groups.

Advantages and Disadvantages of VRI

One advantage of video remote interpreting (VRI) is that if a regular interpreter is unavailable, it can fill the gap. VRI is useful for last-minute needs and emergencies. Rural areas, or companies and schools with interpreter shortages, can benefit from VRI. VRI also helps businesses or facilities needing to serve deaf customers. A key advantage of VRI is that it can be accessed immediately without the user having to pay last-minute fees. Minimum time fees can be lower than for regular interpreting, and there may not be travel fees.

The disadvantages of VRI are that the benefits of in-person contact are lost. Some people may understand interpreters better if the interpreters are there in person. An obvious disadvantage is dependence on technology -- if the equipment is not working, interpreting cannot take place.

Many -- if not most -- regular interpreting agencies offer video remote interpreting services. Most interpreting agencies have separate websites for video remote interpreting. Some companies offering video remote interpreting are:

• Birnbaum Interpreting Services
• SignOnVRI
• Sorenson VRI