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Remote Interpreting - Sign Language

Status: Archived

Approved Date: October 02, 2018

Language Line – On Demand VRI (Not pre-scheduled)

(Only available on iPad with Stratus app.)

1. Launch the Stratus application if it has already been downloaded to your device. Otherwise, on your iPad click on Stratus to download the app to your iPad. Contact the Data Center for Username and Password.
2. Enter your office’s Username and Password (both are the same 10 digit number), turn the Remember Me feature on and click LOGIN.(Passwords Language Line for VRI - Requires Login)
3. Click on the American Sign Language button in the upper left corner.
4. Have the client sit in front of the iPad facing the screen.
5. When the interpreter appears, begin your session with the client. You may sit next to or across from the client. You do not need to be viewable to the interpreter.
6. Immediately following the interpreting session, complete an authorization. The authorization does not need to be sent or faxed anywhere. Over estimate the time rather than under estimate the time on the authorization. Rate is $3.35 per minute, no minimum.

Deaf Services Unlimited – Pre-Scheduled VRI* and CART**

*(Available on iPad. Install by tapping this link)

**(Available on iPad, laptop or desktop computer via web browser with a reliable audio source (telephone or internet with audio input and output).

Tap here for authentication information once you have the app installed.

1. Complete the Nebraska VR - Sign Language Interpreting Request form.

  • For Name of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing Person use First Name Initial and Full Last Name.
  • Designate VR Client (Auth.) or Pending VR Client (Letter Contract)
  • Tentatively confirm with the Deaf or Hard of hearing person their availability for this appointment.

2. Email Coordinators@DeafServicesUnlimited.com or Fax (515.237.3917) the form to Deaf Services Unlimited.
3. Prepare authorization based on the service and time reserved upon confirmation of the scheduled appointment if the Deaf or hard of hearing person is a Nebraska VR Client.

VRI: Video Remote Interpreting

  • When preparing authorization, enter the Deaf person's First Name Initial and Full Last Name.
  • File Sign Language Interpreting Request form in Section 1 of case file.
  • $3.00 per minute, 15 minute minimum

CART: Communication Access Realtime Translation

  • When preparing authorization, enter the Deaf or hard of hearing person's First Name Initial and Full Last Name.
  • File Sign Language Interpreting Request form in Section 1 of case file.
  • ​$140.00 per hour, one hour minimum, billed in quarter hour increment thereafter.

Note: For a Deaf or hard of hearing person who is not a client, the VRI and CART will be paid under the letter contract as an Operating Expense; hence, no authorization is needed.

4. Email Coordinators@DeafServicesUnlimited.com or Fax (515.237.3917) the authorization to Deaf Services Unlimited for a client.
5. Contact VRDataCenter through http://vrhelpdesk.vr.ne.gov for assistance in downloading the VIDYO software. Contact Dawn@DeafServicesUnlimited.com to arrange a connection test with the provider. (Only a one-time connection test is needed per computer/iPad.
6. Conduct the VRI or CART session as scheduled and confirmed.
7. Send an email to Tibor Moldovan and Pat Bracken following a VRI session if there were technical issues experienced or concerns with the interpreting service provided.
8. Review and approve invoice after confirming the invoice details with the original authorization and the length of the actual VRI session.

Deaf Services Unlimited – On Demand VRI (Not pre-scheduled)

1. Call Deaf Services Unlimited at 800-930-2580 and ask for either Dawn Taylor or Carly Peters when an individual requiring interpreting comes into the office unscheduled.
2. Provide the information over the phone that is asked for on the Nebraska VR Sign Language Interpreting Request Form.
3. Use an iPad on which a connection test has been previously conducted to ensure the technology will perform.
4. Conduct the VRI Session.
5. Immediately prepare an authorization for the 15-minute minimum ($45.00) or the actual length of the call whichever is greater. Rate is $3.00 per minute. It is best to over estimate and unencumber that to under estimate and need to add encumber.
6. E-mail the authorization to Coordinators@DeafServicesUnlimited.com or Fax (515.237.3917). Authorization must be completed the same day as the session or it will be considered a late authorization.
7. Review and approve invoice after confirming the invoice details for the On Demand VRI session.

VRI providers must have a current Letter Contract, Contract, and/or Service Agreement with Nebraska VR in order for VR staff to purchase video remote interpreting.

VRI is only available from providers who have interpreters on staff who are licensed Nebraska interpreters and available to provide the interpreting service. The current providers are;

  • Deaf Services Unlimited (DSU)
  • Language Line Services (AT & T)

VRI is primarily to be used when there is no Nebraska Licensed Interpreter with an active Letter Contract, Contract, or Service Agreement available to interpret face-to-face onsite. The VRI provider must be a Nebraska Licensed VRI Provider

Cancellation policy (DSU): For cancellation of a reservation of less than 24 hours (including a no-show by the consumer), DSU will invoice VR for the original reserved time period. However; if DSU reassigns the reserved interpreter to another assignment during the reserved time period, DSU may not invoice VR for any overlapped period of time as a result of the reassignment. DSU will bill for at least the 15-minute minimum regardless of the amount of overlap.

Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) uses video or web cameras, videophones, or computers with telephone lines or internet connectivity to provide sign language interpreting services through an offsite interpreter.

LanguageLine YouTube Training Video: LanguageLine User Training

Accessing A LanguageLine Video Interpreter on an iPad


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