What is Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)? VRI is a helpful tool for effective communication that works by connecting deaf people with interpreters through video calls when in-person interpreters are not available. In a nutshell, VRI works by leveraging video calls to ensure that everyone gets their message across, no matter the circumstances. With that in mind, let’s explore how VRI can be a standout tool for your institution.
Does Your Campus Struggle with Consistent Interpreting Access?
Picture this: You’re an institution dealing with a shortage of interpreters or facing scheduling headaches. What are your options? What can you do to ensure that your deaf students have consistent access to interpreters? This is where VRI comes in.
VRI services are flexible and can provide a solution for institutions facing provider shortages or scheduling challenges, and offers consistent access to interpreting services. Think of VRI as a reliable tool in your belt, offering a lifeline when in-person interpreters are in short supply or when scheduling clashes throw a wrench in your plans. With VRI, you get the best of both worlds: reliable interpreting services without the hassle of logistics. VRI ensures that your communication needs are met, no matter the time or place.
It is important to note that VRI on its own is not going to be effective in all cases and should not be used as a replacement for in-person interpreting services.
Building Institutional Capacity
First things first—it’s important to understand the impact of your campus’ environment and technical readiness on the use of VRI as a communication tool. This includes identifying when and how VRI will be used when coordinating accommodations, as well as who will be using it.
Once ready to implement VRI services, your institution should look carefully at equipment requirements and internet availability, as well as procedures for when and how VRI should be provided. It’s also critical to provide training sessions and ongoing support for staff and students, while gathering feedback for improvements. We recommend gathering feedback from multiple sources to ensure its effectiveness, the most critical of which is feedback from deaf students.
 You can also ask our listserv for more ideas, which includes postsecondary disability services professionals, service providers, and deaf community organizations.
Learn more about interpreting by visiting our Video Remote Interpreting page and checking out our Interpreting FAQs. If you’d like to contact us for personalized support, please email our Help Team at help@nationaldeafcenter.org.
