Video relay services allow a Deaf person to communicate over the phone with a hearing person using a video interpreter. The service uses video cameras and the internet to provide interpreting services without the interpreter being present at the same location.
Video can also be used to provide Auslan and spoken language interpreting over the internet. It allows Deaf people and people whose first language is not English, to access interpreting services remotely, allowing them to communicate with a hearing person. It can also be used in meeting situations where both the Deaf and hearing person are in the same room, whilst the interpreter will be at a different location interpreting via VRS. This is a particularly useful service for people who live in remote areas who may not usually have access to interpreting services.
Video calling is required to be able to receive interpreting services via the internet. This can be achieved by using a video phone, certain video enabled mobile phones or, more commonly, a computer linked to the internet. Video calling allows the streaming of both audio and visual transmission for real time communication between two people in different locations.
Voice Over Internet Protocol programs and social networking sites can both act as a platform for making video calls via a webcam linked to a computer:
References
Australian Communication Exchange 2011, ACE Video Relay Service, Australian Communication Exchange, Brisbane, viewed 12 May 2011, http://www.aceinfo.net.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=16
Disability Services 2010, Auslan Video Relay Interpreting Service, State Government of Victoria: Department of Human Services, Melbourne, viewed 12 May 2011, http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/improving_supports/cultural_and_linguistic_diversity/auslan-video-relay-interpreting-service/video-relay-interpreting-vri-service
Sign Language Communications NSW 2010, Video Remote Interpreting, The Deaf Society of NSW, Sydney, viewed 12 May 2011, http://www.deafsocietynsw.org.au/interpreting/vri.html
Disability Services 2010, Video Relay Interpreting Services 2010: DVD Script Work, State Government of Victoria: Department of Human Services, Melbourne, viewed 12 May 2011, www.dhs.vic.gov.au/_data/assets/.../vriservices)transcript_word_0709.doc.
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