As a business, you want to reach as many people as possible. However, language barriers and disabilities can pose a challenge when communicating with your clients. As more businesses embrace inclusivity, we can see an incline in services such as video remote interpreting.
VRI services allow businesses to communicate effectively with individuals who suffer from hearing loss or speak a different language. The right VRI solution can effectively bridge communication and ensure everyone is heard and, more importantly, understood.
In this article, we take a closer look at video remote interpreting and how it works. We’ll cover what it is, any legal requirements, and the industries that benefit from a VRI interpreter.
What is Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)?
The VRI meaning can be explained as a service in which two or more individuals communicate via video conferencing through an interpreter. Most commonly, this service is used to communicate with people with hearing difficulties or loss.
During the Middle Ages, monks first started using language interpretation services. Since then, technological advances and the growth of video conferencing have given rise to online interpreter services.
A video remote interpreter will assist by watching and listening to the hearing person and signing the message to the deaf individual, and vice versa. Video conferencing tools make it possible for the interpreter to see both individuals in the conversation. This enables them to interpret messages more accurately as they also see body language and other nuances.
VRI Video Remote Interpreting has also been implemented in situations where individuals speak different languages. Language interpretation services work similarly, but instead of signing the message, the VRI interpreter translates and relays the message via video conferencing.
Understanding OPI and VRI
You might be wondering, what are OPI and VRI, and how do they differ? Here are the main differences:
- OPI (Over-the-Phone Interpretation): This service is conducted entirely over the phone, where the interpreter relies solely on audio to convey messages.
- VRI (Video Remote Interpretation): In contrast, VRI leverages video technology, allowing interpreters to use both visual and auditory cues for more effective communication.
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Legal Requirements for Video Remote Interpreting
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) includes video remote interpreting (VRI) services among their aids. VRI must be used when an on-site interpreter is unavailable, or the lack of such service negatively impacts the individual.
If VRI is the chosen aid, it must meet all of the following performance standards:
- Real-time, full-motion video and audio.
- Dedicate high-speed internet connection.
- High-quality video images without lags, blurring, grainy images, or pauses.
- A sharply delineated image showing the individual and interpreter’s face, arms, hands, and fingers.
- Clear audible transmission of voices.
- Adequate staff training to ensure quick setup and operation
In addition to ADA regulations, businesses must also consider other compliance requirements, such as GDPR and HIPAA.
Tips to Ensure VRI Legal Compliance
Compliance and regulations regarding video remote interpretation and ASL video translation is still evolving. Here are a few tips to help your business meet these legal requirements:
- Have non-disclosure agreements in place to ensure the confidentiality of any communications.
- Store copies of communications safely and ensure you have data protection measures in place.
- Use high-quality audio, video, and conferencing software.
- Use a dedicated high-speed internet connection with a wide bandwidth.
- Use a professional studio for interpreters with good lighting and a clear, distraction-free background.
- Invest in continuous staff training.
Partnering with a professional VRI service doesn't need to be complicated. Explore Language Network's VRI offerings to enjoy the convenience and simplicity of outstanding video interpretation services. We ensure full compliance with HIPAA and other governmental regulations.
4 Benefits of Video Remote Interpreting
Let’s look at the benefits of using VRI language services.
1. Convenient and Easily Accessible
Using video remote interpreting is more convenient and easy to access than a live interpreter. In some situations, a live interpreter can’t assist. When enlisting video remote interpreting services, you have on-demand access to professional interpreters specializing in ASL signing and language translations.
2. Improves Inclusivity
Businesses strive to be more inclusive by finding innovative ways to communicate and interact with individuals with disabilities and those speaking other languages. VRI offers a great solution to prove your dedication to inclusivity while improving relationships with potential clients with disabilities. For example, an over-the-phone interpretation can be straightforward and convenient. However, it is important to mention that this option but it does not consider the aspects of facial expressions, body language, or hand movements.
3. Affordable Option
Video remote interpreting can be an affordable solution when compared to on-site interpretation. Typically, on-site interpreters charge for a minimum duration which means if your call is shorter you still pay the full amount. In addition, you might also have to pay travel fees.
4. Remote ASL and Unique Language Requests
Effective communication is essential in most cases, more so when it comes to healthcare or legal situations. VRI makes American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting possible even when on-site interpreters are not available. This visual support is invaluable for ensuring effective communication with the deaf community. Additionally, VRI is beneficial for unique language requests, providing a fast and efficient alternative when an on-site interpreter is unavailable.
Industries and situations where VRI is helpful
There are many situations where a video remote interpreter is beneficial.
Medical and Healthcare
Interpreter services for healthcare are essential. A patient who is deaf or hard of hearing might rely on ASL for communication. In this situation, an ASL interpreter is essential in communicating effectively with the patient. Similarly, a patient might be from another country and not speak your native language. Again, online interpreter services can be critical to ensure clear communication regarding the patient’s health.
When you set up a separate VRI account with Language Network, you are able to access video remote interpreters within minutes for any emergency situation. Learn more about it here!
Legal and Court Settings
Legal and court settings are another area that can benefit from ASL and language interpretation services. Witnesses, defendants, and jury members could have a hearing disability or another language. In these cases, having a professional interpreter is vital to ensure the facts are translated and presented accurately.
Education
Education is another industry that benefits from the use of VRI. Schools and educational institutions can use remote interpretation services to communicate with parents who may not speak the language or have a hearing disability. These language services for education are especially useful during teacher-parent meetings.
Corporate
Several corporate situations can benefit from VRI. For one, having access to a VRI interpreter can help bridge the language gap in meetings, negotiations, or events. Businesses can also utilize VRI for customer service to ensure all of their customers get the support they need.
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations and charities often need to appeal to a wide range of individuals for support in their causes. Not only do they need to demonstrate inclusivity when it comes to fundraising efforts, but they may also need to communicate with various individuals from different communities.
Travel and Hospitality
The travel and hospitality sector relies on ongoing communications with clients. These communications also aren’t restricted to the same language or ability. You’ll have to be able to communicate effectively with individuals from many different languages and individuals with hearing disabilities. VRI can help to ensure these communications are clear.
Finding the Best Video Remote Interpreters: Step-by-Step Guide
VRI solutions are a great alternative to in-person interpreters. These services offer an ideal solution to bridge the language gap between you and your customers.
But choosing the right VRI services can feel like an immeasurable task. Follow the below steps to help you narrow down your ideal VRI service provider.
- Think about your VRI needs - Do you need an ASL provider or one that covers rare languages?
- Consider your time requirements - Do you need an on-demand interpreter?
- Consider your budget.
- Narrow down your search to only options that match your criteria.
- Take a look at independent reviews, testimonials, and user videos.
Get started with Language Network's proven VRI
Visual support is available around-the-clock, seven days a week, so you never have to break a sweat. We've got your language access needs covered. Here are the key benefits:
- Compatibility across many devices
- High audio & video quality
- A Cost-effective interpretation plan
- End-to-end encrypted connections
- Compliance with ADA, HITECH, and HIPAA regulations
- Competitive rates
- Over 95% Uptime Service Level Guarantee
We'd love to tailor a plan to meet your organization's specific needs. Contact us today for a personalized quote from our expert team!