Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) uses videoconferencing technology to provide you with an interpreter when an onsite interpreter is not available or when a telephone interpreter is not suitable (e.g. when your client is Deaf).

VRI allows you to see and talk to your interpreter without being in the same room, or even in the same city.

VRI On Demand is a new service offered by SWITC in partnership with Deaf Services Queensland and will provide greater access to interpreters.  Through utilising technology, members of the Deaf and hard of hearing community will be able to access services and information previously unavailable due to location, restricted access to interpreters or
time constraints.

VRI On Demand is also a cost efficient option for short meetings where an interpreter will not be required for extended periods of time.  This service will allow members of the community to be involved in discussions and meetings regardless of
their location.

What are the benefits of VRI?

• Reduced waiting time for service delivery.
• Faster access to interpreter services through VRI when face-to-face interpreters are not available or in rural areas when there are interpreter shortages.
• Improved quality of services, and less reliance on family, friends or other measures.

How does VRI work?

A TV or computer screen, a small camera and a microphone is used to transmit your picture and voice to the interpreter. The same equipment is used to transmit the interpreter’s picture and voice back  to you.

What are the hours of operation?

Currently, the service is available Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm AEST.  As the service is delivered from our Brisbane office, please be aware that the hours of operation will not change during daylight savings time and that Brisbane public holidays will be observed.

What can I use VRI for?

VRI can be used to meet a number of interpreting requirements from general meetings to appointments.  It is recommended however, that VRI is used for purposes where an interpreter will be required for no more than 20 minutes.

Should you believe that your booking will extend beyond 20 minutes, we recommend that you contact us to arrange an onsite interpreter.

How Secure and private is VRI?

Any conversations you have through a VRI interpreter will be private and confidential. All VRI interpreters are required to abide by a code of ethics and are accountable for their actions and their interpretations.

The technology to deliver the VRI call is held on a private encrypted system therefore disabling any third party access the call.

Are VRI calls recorded?

No. All VRI calls are confidential and conversations are never recorded by the VRI Interpreter or SWITC.

Are VRI calls confidential?

Yes. All VRI calls will remain confidential. VRI interpreters are also required to abide by the confidentiality guidelines set out in the Australian Sign Language Interpreter’s Association’s (ASLIA) code of ethics and the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators’ (AUSIT) code of ethics.

What is the VRI interpreter’s role?

• To facilitate communication between Deaf and non-Deaf people.
• To act in a responsible, professional manner at all times.
• To maintain confidentiality and to not disclose any information obtained while interpreting.
• To not to offer their own personal opinions when interpreting.
• To be accredited through the National Accreditation Authority for Translators & Interpreters (NAATI).
• To abide by both the ASLIA (Australian Sign Language Interpreter’s Association) and Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators’ (AUSIT), code of ethics.
• To be competent and have a high level of accuracy and language acumen  in order to interpret information correctly in both directions.
• To maintain impartiality during any interpreted encounter.

All VRI interpreters have completed rigorous training and testing with all VRI interpreters accredited through the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.

When is VRI interpreting not appropriate?

• Situations with high interactivity (multiple participants with less structured turn-taking protocol).
• Situations involving a Deaf person with a secondary disability (i.e. low vision) which would impede the ability to utilise technology effectively.
• Situations that involve those with idiosyncratic language patterns (e.g. a Deaf client with minimal language skills or a Deaf client who uses signs not recognised as part of the Auslan language).
• Situations that are highly emotionally charged.

How do I book?

Simply contact SWITC directly in order to make a booking.  Once we receive a booking, we will endeavour to organise the interpreter within one hour of the booking being made.

As a result of the fast pace that interpreters are organised, bookings can only be made via phone call at this stage.