Video Remote Interpreting
VRI Guidelines
Introduction
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires healthcare providers to ensure effective communication with people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Here we are listing best practices and basic guidelines for Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) provided by the Deaf Seniors of America (DSA) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and Deaf Seniors of America (DSA) present basic guidelines to assist healthcare providers in operating Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
Network Guidelines
- Dedicated high-speed internet connection (not DSL) for a high quality full motion video and audio
- At least 768kps upload and download speed for uninterrupted and continuous video calling
- HIPAA compliant
- All interpreters must have the same technical standards from their end
- Firewalls must not impede or impair optimal video transmission
- Network Speeds should be tested in advance
Equipment Guidelines
- If using a laptop or desktop it should have a minimum processor speed of 2 GHz, and at least 5 GB of free disk drive space
- iPads or tablets should be 2015 or newer
- Minimum resolution should be 720p at 30 frames per second
- Viewer must have unobstructed view of the monitor
- All other applications and software should be shut down to give the video connection priority.
- We recommend having back up equipment ready in the case of equipment failure
Best Practices
- Preference of the gender of the interpreter by the patient and/or companion should be honored
- Certified Deaf Interpreters should be made available at the request of interpreters, patients, and/or companion
- VRI equipment should be setup and ready to operate on schedule
- Two VRI trained personnel on site 24/7
- Technical support on site 24/7
- Use of VRI should be consented by patient and/or companion
- On-site interpreters must be used if the patient and/or companion becomes stressed with the use of VRI
- On-site interpreters should be used if there is no internet access
References:
National Association of the Deaf https://www.nad.org
Deaf Seniors of America https://deafseniors.us
US DOJ Effective Communication Regulations https://www.ada.gov/effective-comm.htm
Recommended Guidelines for Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) for ASL Interpreted Events, Judicial Council of California, 2012.
NAD Position Statement: VRI Services in Hospitals: https://www.nad.org/youtube_video/vri/
