Hands Up Communications BLOG

Video Remote Interpreteting, VRI Available During COVID-19

by | Mar 16, 2020 | Interpreting

Teleconferencing and Remote Interpreting During the Coronavirus

As we all know, the Coronavirus has made its way to our part of the world. With the number of cases rising, there is a lot of uncertainty about the effects the virus will have on our communities. Will this affect access to interpreters and translators?

Unfortunately, communities may have limited access to onsite interpreters and translators in the near future. Luckily, there are solutions such as remote interpreting solutions available to help everyone adapt. 

Taking Action with Remote Interpreting

Due to the contagious nature of the virus, onsite interpreting is becoming less and less safe. As an alternative, remote interpreters can help our communities adapt to the new norms of social distancing. In fact, VRI and OPI can really come in handy when working with patients, clients, employees, and students who are deaf or who are limited English proficient (LEP).

By limiting physical interactions with onsite interpreters, we can continue to limit unnecessary interactions. In the end, this could greatly help reduce the spread of the virus. With everyone’s safety in mind, Hands Up Communications will continue to offer teleconferencing as well as VRI and OPI interpreting services to any business or organization who needs them.

Video Remote Interpreting, VRI

While the Coronavirus makes language access harder, video remote interpreters (VRI) and over the phone interpreters (OPI) seem to be the most ideal option. With two connections types, Hands Up’s remote interpreting system is helping people get the language access they deserve in a safe way.

  1. Instantly connect to an interpreter on demand with “On Demand Calls”.
  2. Users can also schedule remote interpreters ahead of time for a more organized, appointment-based approach.

In either case, it’s important to consider which approach is best for the needs of your people.

Remote Teleconferencing with Interpreters

Without hassle, our teleconferencing system can help you communicate with other people remotely from private locations. In other words, if you have patients, employees, or students who need communication access, teleconferencing can help you stay in touch while keeping everyone safe.

Healthcare Teleconferencing and Remote Interpreting

For hospitals and clinics, teleconferencing and remote interpreting is helpful to reduce the spread of the virus. Instead of bringing a medical interpreter into the room, patients are able to access medical interpreters over video. Also, for your patients at home, Hands Up can offer teleconferencing to help you communicate with patients remotely.

Perfect for:

  • Screening LEP or deaf patients
  • Talking about symptoms
  • Communicating with patients during examination

Businesses: VRI/OPI for Your Employees

During this time, it is very important for everyone to understand updates in the workplace. If your employees are deaf, hard of hearing, or don’t use English to communicate, VRI can help you keep your people informed.

VRI/OPI can improve employee communication:

  • in factories
  • in hotels
  • any corporate organization

Schools: Remote Conversations and Classes

With so many classes moving online, schools can use video interpreters for students. If a student needs an interpreter, we want to be as flexible as possible. To make things simpler, schools can even use our video interpreters through their own video conferencing platforms such as Zoom or Go To Meetings. 

VRI/OPI can help:

  • Community college students
  • University students

Remote Interpreter Access for Everyone

When viruses break out, it is vital to take measures to protect the well-being of everyone in our community. Keeping safety in mind, our goal is to make sure people inside and outside our community have access to interpreters. 

As always, we will continue to offer video and phone interpreting solutions for anyone who needs them. Of course, feel free to send us a message on our website or give us a call at 319-213-9920 to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.