Remote Interpreting
Remote Interpreting
Previously, interpreters would mainly work face to face with deaf people wherever needed, including in their workplace. When the Covid pandemic happened and people were no longer allowed to meet up, people’s job roles changed as many were forced to find a new way of working; remotely, from home. This also applied to interpreters, who had to suddenly familiarise themselves with online platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Skype, as well as bespoke software used by different companies. I myself had to use a remote British Sign Language Interpreter online to support when I was setting up new level 1 classes.
The increased use of remote interpreting has its advantages, but also its disadvantages. One of the obvious disadvantages of working remotely is that to use British Sign Language online you need a good video signal and good equipment. Many people had to upgrade to faster laptops or PCs, and better quality webcams, in order to be seen clearly. A poor Wi-Fi signal can also have a huge impact on the quality of the call; as the video can be blurry, or freeze repeatedly. With a visual language, this can make it very hard to see what someone is saying. Much of the software can be used on mobile, but sometimes this can be small and difficult to see. Sometimes poor lighting or different backgrounds, such as a blurred one, ca be distracting and make it difficult to see the person signing. People also had to learn how to use new software, which was challenging for some. Many people who are not confident using technology are not able to easily access remote interpreting.
Working from home can be challenging for anyone – distractions in the home from pets or family, or even deliveries, can make life more difficult, and can be disruptive to others on the call.
Another disadvantage of remote interpreting can be that it is impersonal. If the situation is personal or potentially upsetting, such as a medical diagnosis, having someone on a screen is not the same as having someone face to face.
There are also positive aspects to remote interpreting –
Many people are also choosing to use remote interpreting for their everyday access to work needs. Where previously they may have booked an interpreter to attend their workplace all day, but only require them for a short amount of time overall, now they can use on-demand services only as and when required, allowing more flexibility.
One advantage of remote interpreting is that deaf people no longer have to rely on a small pool of interpreters from their local area, which can be particularly difficult for those in rural areas where very few interpreters are available. They can now use interpreters from around the country. As there is a shortage of British Sign Language interpreters, being able to use people from a wider area is an advantage.
From my personal point of view, while I enjoy having the additional access that remote interpreting offers, I do find it impersonal and much prefer to work face to face. Also, now that remote interpreting has become the norm, many interpreters prefer to work from home. This could be due to childcare requirements or other commitments. I do find it more difficult to find interpreters who are able to work face to face. Overall, I think remote interpreting is a use of technology that benefits the deaf community and provides greater access, and it is definitely here to stay.
In general, the use of remote interpreters has made services more accessible for deaf people. Remote interpreters can be used for everything from medical appointments to job centre and housing enquiries. People can also purchase personal packages to enable them to make personal calls to whoever they wish.
Companies such as SignVideo, Signlive and Interpreters Live now have contracts with companies, councils, and medical trusts, which allow deaf users to make calls using their first language: British Sign Language. Having an on-demand service which they can use in this way allows deaf people to have more independence to deal with their own affairs, rather than relying on deaf services or hearing friends and family. They can make calls as and when required, rather than waiting until an appointment or interpreter is available. This is a level of access that wasn’t available to deaf people before.
Join me for my next blog, when I will talk about the Deaf UK 50+ event happening in Blackpool.