Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)

What is Video Interpreting?

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Video interpreting is language interpretation provided remotely via a video conferencing solution. There are two pathways to access video interpreting:
  1. Your conference or telehealth platforms (e.g., Zoom, WebEx, etc.) and have the interpreter(s) join your meeting/session.
  2. PI’s secure, encrypted, and HIPAA-compliant platforms at no additional cost.
Users need to consider best practices when evaluating whether video interpreting is the best option. Although there are benefits to video interpreting, there are some restrictions and differences compared to on-site interpreting. Our expert team can help you make a well-informed decision.

Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) ​

Partners Interpreting utilizes video platforms designed with interpreting in mind. All you need is a computer or a tablet, a web camera, an internet connection, and an account with PI. Connect with a browser or download our free app for on-demand access to high-definition, high-quality audio and video interpreted sessions. Our VRI platform supports over 25+ spoken languages in addition to American Sign Language. (Please see our VRI Language List)

Remote Service:

  • Virtual Interpreting Service (VIS)

– Format: Pre-scheduled
– Billing: First hour charged by the hour, then minute increments
– Connect: Any conference platform

  • Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)

– Format: On-demand — Traditionally, deaf and hearing individual(s) ARE in the same room
– Billing: Charged by the minute
– Connect: PI’s provided platforms

  • Video Relay Service (VRS)

– Format: On-demand phone — by law, parties CAN NOT be in the same physical space
– Billing: Federally (FCC) governed and funded
– Connect: Standard phone + proprietary vendor software/hardware

Although virtual meetings often allow participants to call in — and therefore utilize free VRS interpreting service —— VIS offers numerous advantages:

  • VIS services through PI can be pre-scheduled. VRS is solely on-demand.
  • VIS allows users to secure preferred interpreters familiar with the consumers, the content, and your organization. VRS calls are randomly routed.
  • VIS allows the interpreter full access to the meeting, including video, screen sharing, etc. The same level of access is not available to the VRS interpreter. The VRS interpreter can only see the Deaf individual and hear participants, placing them at a significant disadvantage compared to a VIS interpreter operating within the meeting or session.

Capacity -- Partnerships

PI brings you a local and a national network of interpreters for capacity and scalability you can rely on. We have partnered with two strategic partners to deliver quality spoken language services. Our first partner is one of the most prominent providers in the U.S., well known for their excellence in interpreting on-demand, with over 5,000+ calls processed daily. Our second partner is one of the country’s oldest language companies and has tremendous capacity and range of languages, especially for pre-scheduled foreign languages.

PI Video Platform Features

  • A multi-language platform. American Sign Language (ASL) and 20+ spoken languages See VRI language list
  • Browser based (no proprietary equipment required). American Sign Language (ASL) and 20+ spoken languages See VRI language list
  • Secure, encrypted and HIPAA compliant
  • Pre-scheduled and on-demand capacity
  • Screen sharing, in call chat, privacy (audio/video), add additional interpreter(s); 3rd party invite (email/text) with no downloads required
  • Capacity for multiple, simultaneous calls

When:

  • Available 24/7/365
  • Pre-scheduled or on demand; one time or recurring needs (daily/weekly)
  • Remote and virtual events, meetings, classes, trainings and more

What You Need:

VRI Languages supported: Note additional language or expanded hours always being added. Contact us for the latest listing.

Video Interpreting Best Practices

Always consult with the Deaf person and/or our team to assist in identifying if VRI is an appropriate option, since there are many factors that go into that decision. Factors such as the end user’s language needs and role in the interaction, logistics and technology.

Why use VRI?

  • Scenarios (Depending on the nature of the event):
  • Short/brief interactions (e.g. triage in healthcare
  • Short notice/last minute and emergency needs
  • Availability Qualified on-site interpreter is unavailable or extended wait for an onsite interpreter to become available
  • Safety reasons - Health concerns/exposure or potential violent environments (e.g. prisons, locked psych wards etc.) that put interpreters directly in harm’s way should be considered
  • Physical constraints - Some environments are too restrictive for onsite interpreting to even be considered
  • Cost factors in comparison to onsite interpreting. On site interpreting has a different billing minimum and may include expenses such as travel time, mileage, parking, etc.
  • Confidentiality & privacy reasons. Due to the small community, with private/personal matters, Deaf individuals sometimes may prefer to NOT have a local on-site interpreter work with them. Our VRI interpreters are located both locally AND across the US.

When not to use VRI?

  • High risk/trauma scenarios (e.g. mental health evaluation, job interviews or other judicial matters)
  • Deaf individuals with low vision, vision impairment or Deaf-Blind
  • During medical procedures (stress test, surgery etc.) where physical restrictions of both patient and VRI equipment prevent successful communication
  • Multiple (2 or more) active participants. A single meeting that has 100’s of attendees but only 1-2 speakers at a time is very different than a meeting of 5-6 people all with active roles (e.g. IEP team meetings)

Services

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Resources

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Phone:

  • 508-699-1477 (voice); answering service supports non-business hours sending messages to on call staff
  • 508-809-4894 (videophone) for ASL users
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