• An ASL interpreter relays communication between signed and spoken languages over video through a high-speed internet connection.
• The Deaf and hearing individuals can be in the same location with a video screen or in different locations using videoconferencing software.
• VRI is a fee-based service, with costs varying by provider for scheduled or on-demand service options.

Preparing for interaction with an ASL interpreter using VRI

1. Give your interpreting service provider information to suitably staff and plan for your session.
2. Make arrangements for mutual visibility and audibility for everyone in your conversation and the sign language interpreter.

Part 1: providing information

• A team can facilitate multilingual interpreting for conversations that include ASL, English, and Spanish users.
• A Deaf/hearing interpreter team pairs a hearing interpreter making the conversion between spoken language and ASL with a Deaf interpreter relaying messages as a native ASL user. This can provide more accurate interpreting for cultural nuance between Deaf and hearing communities. That may be especially important in high stakes conversations, like health or legal settings.

• The topic(s) and agenda of your conversation, meeting, or event;
• Unfamiliar names of key people, places, brands or products likely to come up in your session; and niche terminology for your company or industry pertinent to the topic(s) of conversation

Part 2: logistical arrangements

• Lighting: adequate lighting for participants so the interpreter can see them clearly on camera (including avoiding backlighting from windows) and minimizing glare on the screen so participants can clearly see the interpreter.
• Positioning the video screen, speaker, and microphone to avoid obstruction, discomfort, or distraction.

Learning and using interpreter etiquette

• Show your face: This may not be feasible throughout a meeting or event with a lot of participants, but when you’re taking a turn, it’s helpful for the interpreter and the others in the meeting to see you—for identification and unspoken context.Your facial expressions and body language convey more than your words alone for better understanding of your tone and meaning. So if you’re on a conference call, turn on your camera; if you’re in an in-person meeting, stand up or raise your hand.
• Take turns: Because your interpreter is relaying what everyone is saying, multiple people can’t “talk” at the same time.Wait for the interpreter to finish signing or voicing what the last person said before you jump in with your comments or questions so everyone has a chance to take in the previous statement. It also prevents the interpreter having to process your comment while still relaying the last one. Hand-raising (either physically if you’re in person or have your camera on or using the feature on your video conferencing software if your camera is off) will come in handy to take turns contributing.
• Identify yourself: Especially in a large group, identifying yourself by name allows the interpreter to share whose comments they’re relaying, which provides helpful context for those who cannot see or hear you.
• Slow down: It’s not a race. You’ll need to adjust to more pauses, not only for the interpreter to finish relaying your statements, but also for participants to switch between referencing visual materials (like shared screens, media, or handouts) and the interpreter.While many Deaf individuals are adept at processing complex visuals, they can’t watch the interpreter and read your spreadsheet at the same time, just like hearing people can’t actively listen to music and a phone call at the same time.When you’re presenting slides or media, allow additional time for everyone to look it over and ask questions, and confirm they’re ready before moving on. If you’re in a virtual meeting and want to share your screen, pause for Deaf participants and interpreters to pop out video boxes so they can see each other during your screen share, and ask them to confirm readiness before you proceed.
• Address the person you’re talking to: Look at and talk to the people in your conversation, not the interpreter. Of course, Deaf individuals need to watch the interpreter to receive spoken comments in ASL, but will face the person/people they’re addressing when making their own statements. Eye contact is essential in ASL. Looking at someone — whether you’re talking or listening to them — indicates they have your attention.The role of the sign language interpreter is to be a resource in your communication rather than an active participant. You aren’t hurting their feelings by focusing on the other person/people in your conversation rather than them. It’s polite to greet them at the beginning of the session and thank them at the end, but otherwise focus on the people in your meeting.
• Don’t say things you don’t want interpreted: You should expect everything you say — whether spoken or signed — to be for everyone. Your sign language interpreter is professionally bound to relay all comments.Using language services — and interpreting services in particular, here — is a way to communicate more equitably and inclusively, so avoid excluding people from parts of the conversation.

You now know the basic guidelines for using an interpreter for VRI