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Remote Interpreting

RI may be used in place of on-site interpreting whenever the quality of interpretation will not be compromised. Due process requires the courts to ensure LEP litigants are able to fully participate in the proceedings and that LEP individuals are afforded meaningful access. If it is determined that using RI would negatively impact access for any reason, on-site interpreting should always be used instead.*

*CLAC Remote Interpreting Guide and Best Practices

Audio Technologies

Telephone

Description: Using a standard telephone and landline

How it works: The interpreter is based in a separate location from the consumers and provides interpreting in the consecutive mode. The phone can be integrated and amplified through the courtroom’s existing audio speaker system using a digital audio platform device or can be used as a stand-alone device with amplification occurring through the phone’s internal speaker.

Specialized Telephone Equipment

Description: Telephone interpreting with specialized equipment(i.e. mixer, integrated phone line, handset, headphone, touchtone phone or speakerphone) allows the opportunity to provide simultaneous and consecutive interpreting services using a standard telephone line.

How it works: Specialized phone equipment is installed directly into an existing courtroom’s audio equipment so that all speaking and hearing occurs through the microphone and speaker system. A second option is to have mobile carts/consoles containing a phone and speaker system which can be wheeled around from courtroom to courtroom. Both scenarios allow the off-site interpreter to control where his/her voice is going using a keypad: directly to the LEP speaker, the open courtroom, or the LEP speaker and his/her attorney.

Description: VoIP allows making phone calls over a broadband internet connection instead of typical analog telephone lines.

How it works: A broadband (high speed internet) connection is required, which can be through a cable modem, DSL, or local area network. A computer, adaptor or specialized phone is necessary. Some VoIP services work only work over a computer or special phone, while others use traditional phones connected to a VoIP adapter. Computer use requires some software and an inexpensive microphone.

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Integrated Audio and Video

Technologies

Video ConferenceDescription: Videoconference interpreting is the form of interpreting that ariseswhen the proceedings take place where people in different locations are linkedvia audio and video.

How it works: There are two ways of integrating the interpreter using videoconference technology. An interpreter can be with the participants in the courtroom, or co-located with the LEP speaker and attorney in a remote location such as a prison or other courthouse.

SKYPEDescription: Skype is a downloadable software application that allows users tomake free video calls to other Skype users over the internet. The network is operated by Microsoft.

How it works: Skype is a peer-to-peer system rather than a client-serversystem. Registered users are self-identified by a unique Skype name.Skype allows these registered users tocommunicate for free through videoconferencing.

Skype is not suitable for VRI because of the unreliability of the audio and video signals. There is too much breakup and freezing that causes skips and breakups which prevent the interpreter from hearing and delivering complete statements.

Video Remote Interpreting

Description: The use of video web cameras and telephones lines to provide signand spoken language interpreting services through an off-site interpreter. With deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired individuals , where its use is growing, the technology is similar to a slightly different service, Video Relay Service (VRS),Where hearing and signing parties are each located in different places.

How it works: VRI uses video conferencing equipment over high speed broad-band connections or ISDN lines carrying both video and audio messages. Equipment is paired with wired or wireless connections. VRI sessions can be conducted via internet, intranet, or ISDN. Typically, the LEP person and Englishspeakers are located together at one location with a web camera (or other technology) while the interpreter works from a separate location.

VRI Call Centers

Options for Providing RI Services

o Staff or freelance interpreters working out of a location (or locations) under the control of the court, jurisdiction, or AOPC

o Freelance interpreters working in a location not under the court or AOPC’s control, such as a home, office, or other business

o Commercial vendors through interpreters located in call centers

RI May Be Appropriate When:o When a certified or qualified interpreter is not available in person or

does not meet the state’s credentialing requirements

o Proceedings are routine matters expected to be short and non-complex and to last no more than 30 minutes

o When proceedings will involve limited testimony

o The person in need of an interpreter speaks a language of limited diffusion

o A local interpreter discloses a conflict of interest

o Interpreting assistance is needed outside the courtroom

o It is more fiscally responsible to use remote interpreting than an on-site interpreter

RI Is Not Appropriate When:

o A credentialed and qualified interpreter is close-by to provide

on-site interpreting

o The proceedings require extended or complex testimony and will last longer than 30 minutes

o The proceedings involve many participants or there is more than one language needed

o Communication is difficult to establish adequately

o Emotionally charged or contentious testimony is anticipated

o Establish policies and procedures for determining when the use of RI is appropriate:

o “When the following conditions are met, all traffic offense proceedings requiring an interpreter may be conducted via interactive audio-visual device.”

Policies & Procedures

o All parties who would be involved in a court proceeding should receive training on RI protocols and procedures

o Training should include:o Informational sessions about RIo Mock hearingso Trouble shooting and quick problem resolution

Training

o Attorney-client communications

o LEP speaker appearing remotely

o Room standards

o Equipment placement

o Fax, scanner, document camera and printer

o Data collection & financial considerations

Special Considerations