Video relay service (VRS) interpreters can join the Video Interpreters United. While interpreters can also choose to join the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, the VIU is specifically for interpreters working in the video relay service industry. About.com interviewed VIU about its founding and mission, as well as issues facing VRS industry interpreters. About.com interviewed Gina Gonzalez of the VIU via email.
What is the Video Interpreters United?
It is a forum/platform for video interpreters, deaf interpreters, and any other VRS stakeholders to participate in helping to steer the future course of VRS.
Why did you establish the Video Interpreters United?
We chose to form the group (on December 1, 2009) because we work for different VRS providers and over time we have been divided by perceived proprietary limitations that prevent us from discussing issues within VRS that impact the work we do as video interpreters. In an effort to unify our profession in order to address the issues more effectively, we decided to create a group that brings us together as a profession regardless of the VRS companies we work for.
Why did you choose VIU instead of Video Interpreters Union?
Consistent with our goals to unite the VI voice, we selected the word united not union because we are not a union. It does not mean that the group through input and participation of its members does not seek in the future to employ the services of a union.Who can be a member of the VIU? Only video interpreters?
Interpreters who have worked in VRS, are working in VRS, or would like to work in VRS (both hearing and deaf). However, in order for us to have input from a more diverse group rather than only the interpreting perspective, VRS consumers and other interested parties are welcome.What are the VIU's priorities?
To grow and unite the video interpreter voice in order to exercise it in a manner that can help steer the future course of VRS provision such as submitting comments to the FCC.What plans do you have for VIU? Conferences for example? A newsletter?
Creating a safe place for video interpreters to provide their input is one of our plans and also providing education and outreach to both interpreters and VRS consumers. As we grow, other plans may come into play.Can you clarify about "working conditions" and "employment security?"
Working conditions include but are not limited to- Break systems
- ergonomics
- technology
- teaming
- floor support
- training
- call processing policies
Can you elaborate on this: promoting integrity of the TRS fund?
Suggestions. One thing we would like to see is a neutral third party take over screening and hiring of VRS interpreters to ensure interpreters are qualified to process calls and the TRS fund does not pay for wasteful practices.
A Deaf consumer allowed [observation of] a call. The first 20 minutes were wasted because the interpreter was not effectively relaying. There was a lot of repetition and the consumer asked for a switch. It took up to five minutes. Those five minutes were billed to NECA (National Exchange Carrier Association) even though it was idle. When the other interpreter took over, an additional 10 minutes was used clearing up the previous dialogue. A total of 35 minutes was wasted. The VRS provider benefited financially.
What possible role can VIU play in helping to prevent or minimize VRS fraud?
We can help by exposing practices that are fraudulent and abusive. We can do vlogs and post blogs on such practices and the people behind the fraudulent and abusive activities.Can you explain about VRS industry standards and de-professionalization?
Lack of specific rules by the FCC regarding qualified interpreters, leaves the service vulnerable to hiring of unqualified interpreters. Lack of a neutral entity involved in screening and hiring of interpreters has contributed to decline in quality of service. Lax requirements render the profession vulnerable to a decline in professionalization.
VIU recognizes that many interpreters have been exploited by having to process [questionable] calls. Because some providers are seemingly more interested in making money rather than quality, many unqualified interpreters have been hired which distorts efforts of the profession. We want to mobilize our group [to] bring better training, education, and outreach to promote our profession's image.
Anything else you would like to add about VIU?
We, like many others, simply want to see VRS be all that it can be for consumers. We want to work together as a profession and with other stakeholders to promote top quality telecommunications access via VRS for consumers while protecting one of its most valuable components in functionally equivalent access, the video interpreter.
VIU has a Facebook page.
