Video Interpretation Service Now Makes Library Help Better for Hearing-Impaired
The Springfield-Greene County Library has a new service to help eliminate communication barriers for patrons with hearing impairments. The Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) service allows patrons to converse in real time with a trained American Sign Language interpreter about a library service or research request.
No scheduling is required and the service is free for patrons through the Library’s contract with Propio Language Services. Propio has a network of independently contracted interpreters, so interpreters are available 24/7, 365 days a year. The service is available during business hours at the Library Center, Library Station, Midtown Carnegie and Schweitzer Brentwood branches. Propio’s Windy Taylor said the Library is her company’s first client to use the service for library patrons.
Here’s how it works:
- The patron and library staff member use an iPad already loaded with VRI, and dial into the service via the internet.
- As soon as the call is connected, an off-site interpreter appears on the monitor.
- Using the videoconferencing technology, the interpreter can then translate conversations from the library staff’s spoken English to American Sign Language for the patron.
“The Library is a place for all community members, regardless if they have a disability or not, said Library Station librarian Tysha Shay. “We want to provide services and materials that are accessible to all and help those with disabilities use their library as independently as they want.” Library staff will still assist patrons who prefer to write down their questions on paper, she added.
Across the country, VRI is used by hospitals, corporations, federal agencies, law enforcement, and other agencies to provide on-demand interpreting services especially when no on-site interpreter is available.
The Video Remote Interpretation is one of several resources available for hearing/vision-impaired patrons. The four branches also have other assistive apps that may be useful when assisting patrons with other disabilities, including special-use iPads with extra-large display; electronic magnifying glass with light; and the TapTapSee object identification program.
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