Q. What is Video Remote Interpreting?
A. DSU Video Remote Interpreting (DSU VRI) combines the convenience and accessibility of the Internet and remotely located professional sign language interpreters to provide real-time interpreting services between deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing individuals who are in the same room.

Q. What are the hours of service?
A. DSU VRI is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Q. What are the benefits to VRI?
A. DSU VRI can save your company or organization time and money by avoiding delays and scheduling issues, not to mention save you costs for drive-time and transportation fees.

DSU VRI is ideal for any organization looking to provide a better experience for its Deaf or hard -employees, customers or patients who face a communication barrier.

Examples of current customers:

• Corporations
• Financial Institutions
• Government Organizations
• Schools
• Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
• Courts/Attorneys/Police
• Social Services

Q. How do I get started?
A. Get the DSU VRI solution in just three easy steps:

1. Register online, or contact DSU directly via email, phone or fax to open an account.
2. Choose either the videophone or Internet option.
3. Connect to DSU to access our 24/7 interpreting service.

Q. How do I access my VRI service?
A. Clients either:

1. Call without scheduling an appointment for service
2. Schedule an interpreter (if you are pre-scheduled, an interpreter will call you at the time designated. Our coordination department is happy to schedule VRI sessions anytime.)

Q. How is my company billed?
A. Each video interpreting assignment will be billed a fifteen (15) minute minimum. DSU offers pre-paid, discount packages for frequent users. Contact us at 800-930-2580 for pricing information.

Q. Do I need a login and/or client ID to access services?
A. Yes. You will receive your Client ID number when you become a DSU VRI client.

Q. How do I make a request for on-going interpreting needs?
A. DSU has developed an online scheduling system that is available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide greater flexibility regarding when and how you make interpreting requests. This system uses a standard Internet connection along with a standard Internet browser.

Q. What equipment do I need?
A. Computer, internet access, modem, web-camera, speakers

Q. Is VRI compatible with a cable modem?
A. Yes. VRI is compatible with a cable modem if you have at least XXXXX bandwidth up and down.

Q. Can I use DSU VRI if I am behind a firewall?
A. Yes, if the firewall is aware of NetMeeting (or H.323 compatible software). See your system administrator.

Q. Are your interpreters HIPAA trained/certified?
A. Yes, all of our interpreters are HIPAA trained and certified.
Once contracted, using DSU VRI’s interpreters is in compliance with HIPAA regulations because DSU is then a Business Associate, which is a third party vendor who performs services on behalf of a covered entity or your hospital. A written Business Associate Contract ensures that all patient information is protected. The Privacy Rule of HIPAA, which prohibits disclosure of patients’ confidential information in any form (electronic, paper and oral communication) is the area that specifically relates to DSU and its interpreters.

Q. How do HIPAA laws apply to interpreters and data collection?
A. All of DSU’s interpreters are bound by HIPAA laws as well as a Code of Professional Conduct which emphasizes the points of confidentiality. Interpreters are required to maintain these laws and codes in order to maintain their certification.

Once contracted, using DSU VRI’s interpreters is in compliance with HIPAA regulations because DSU is then a Business Associate, which is a third party vendor who performs services on behalf of a covered entity or your hospital. A written Business Associate Contract ensures that all patient information is protected. The Privacy Rule of HIPAA, which prohibits disclosure of patients’ confidential information in any form (electronic, paper and oral communication) is the area that specifically relates to DSU and its interpreters.

Q. Will the interpreter REALLY interpret EVERYTHING they hear?
A. Interpreters are bound by their certification body’s—RID-- Code of Professional Conduct; anything heard by the interpreter will be relayed via ASL to the Deaf person. Likewise, anything seen in expressed ASL by the Deaf person will be voiced by the interpreter. The interpreter is merely a language facilitator and is bound to interpret everything seen and heard, thus creating an atmosphere of functional equivalence and equal access. Additionally, for functional equivalence and equal access to take place, the interpreter is also oftentimes bound to convey incidental and environmental sounds.

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