Video remote interpreting services play a vital role in making businesses more accessible to deaf members of the public.
Video Remote Interpreting Services
With video conferencing technology, deaf people and business representatives can communicate via sign language interpreters in real-time. The only question is, how video remote interpreting services are changing to reflect new trends in home and remote working?
How to Make Use of Video Remote Interpreting Services When Remote Working
In office and general business contexts, making use of video remote interpreting services is altogether easy.
When business customers or associates require video remote interpreters, customer service supervisors and communication departments take care of setting up video conferencing calls. However, when remote working, employees might not always have direct access to supervisor support.
Business employees with hearing impairments might also struggle when working remote, to communicate as freely with co-workers as they might otherwise. Here, we’ve, therefore, compiled a list of tips that will make using video remote interpreting services a little easier.
Choose a Reliable Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) Partner
The key to using video remote interpreting services successfully always rests with choosing the right service partner. Is a VRI service available 24/7? Does a VRI service provide video conferencing technology that is easy to use?
At Languagers, we can provide instant access to sign language interpreters 24/7, to business across the United States. As a bonus, our video conferencing software is easy to use and 100% secure.
Regardless, though, of what VRI service you use, it is also vital for businesses to establish standard operating practices for when employees work with video remote interpreters.
Practical Tips for Using Video Remote Interpreting Services Remotely
As a rule, all sign language interpreters available at Languagers are already accustomed to working remotely with clients. However, not all of your employees will be familiar with how to make use of VRI services.
To make using VRI services easier, it can be a good idea to delegate specific employees to handle communication with deaf colleagues and clients. Click here if you want to know more about VRI service
- In customer service contexts, try to make sure that at least one member of staff is always on duty who is familiar with how to schedule and participate in VRI calls with members of the public.
- Use social media, your website, and your marketing collateral, to let deaf people know how to contact your team to set up video conferencing conversations where interpreters will be present.
- Ideally, make sure that at least one HR employee is always on duty who can liaise with deaf employees via VRI meetings.
It is also advisable to train as many employees as possible on how to use video remote interpreting services in terms of etiquette.
Basic Etiquette Rules When Working With Interpreters
Training employees on how to use VRI services isn’t just about familiarizing them with how to use video conferencing software. As well as this, employees also need to follow some basic rules of etiquette when working with interpreters.
- During VRI calls never look directly at interpreters. Instead, always look at the deaf person you are speaking to like you would anyone else.
- Try to avoid using humor, metaphors, or idioms. These won’t always translate the same way in sign language.
- It is common for dialogue to not be translated 100% accurately during VRI sessions. This is because English and American Sign Language are not always coded the same way. This being the case, if something does not make sense, politely ask for clarification or try rephrasing what you have just said.
Make Sure Your Remote Workspace is Free of Distractions
If you are a remote worker who will be making use of VRI services to work with deaf colleagues or customers, it is important to keep your workspace as presentable as possible.
As well as reading signs from interpreters, deaf colleagues and customers will also attempt to read your body language. Any workspace where VRI calls take place should always, therefore, be free of visual distractions.
When businesses delegate employees to handle VRI calls, it is also important to make sure that they are technologically equipped to do so. Thankfully, the video conferencing software we use at Languagers is compatible with most modern PC, tablet, and smartphone models.
Do You Need to Hire a VRI Interpreter?
Do you need to know more about how your employees can make use of video remote interpreting services when working remotely? If so, we can help. Simply reach out to one of our team today to discuss your business requirements.
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