VRS vs VRI: Aren’t They the Same Service?

Written by Bethany Jamison, NIC
Every industry comes with distinct vernacular! A common misconception specific to the American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting Community is that the use of Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is the same as using Video Relay Services (VRS). Although both types of service are provided via a digital platform and use similar equipment, these services are quite different. Let’s take a closer look.          

According to the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) website, “VRS, like other forms of Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS) allows persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) to communicate through the telephone system with hearing persons. The VRS caller, using a television or a computer with a video camera device and a broadband (high-speed) Internet connection, contacts a VRS caller, who is a qualified interpreter. They communicate with each other in sign language through a video link. The VRS caller then places a telephone call to the party the VRS user wishes to call. The VRS caller relays the conversation back and forth between the parties -- in sign language with the VRS user, and by voice with the called party. No typing or text is involved.” 

Photo credit Convorelay

Essentially what this means is there’s an ASL interpreter at a call center with a computer screen and headset. When a person calls a DHH person, they are connected audibly to an interpreter through a VRS provider (i.e. Sorenson, ZVRS, Convo).
The interpreter connects the call to the intended party, then interprets the phone conversation between the two, utilizing the camera to communicate with the DHH participant and the headset for the person using a phone. Visually this looks very much like Facetime or Skype. This is also the process when a call is initiated by a DHH caller. The VRS process allows communication to flow and both parties use their native languages through the interpreter.

Who pays for VRS services? VRS is not paid for by the folks using the service. VRS providers are compensated for their costs from the Interstate TRS Fund, which is overseen by the FCC. For more specific content regarding the FCC’s requirements for VRS providers and users, check this out: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/video-relay-services.

So, what is VRI? The National Association of the Deaf defines VRI as “When in-person, on-site interpreting services are not immediately available, technology now provides for an interim solution in the form of off-site interpreting services, called Video Remote Interpreting (VRI). VRI uses videoconferencing technology, equipment, and a high-speed Internet connection with sufficient bandwidth to provide the services of a qualified interpreter, usually located at a call center, to people at a different location.” 

How is this different? VRI interpreters are not interpreting “phone conversations,” as described above with VRS, a service regulated and paid for by the Federal Government. With VRI service, real-time interpreting in multiple settings (like hospitals and businesses) is happening while the DHH and hearing persons are in the same location, and the interpreter is off-site. Who pays for this service? The answer is -- the same persons that would pay for onsite interpreting services are responsible for the bill when using VRI. VRI can be set up as an “on demand” service OR by appointment. These factors, along with prices per minute, etc. are determined on a contract basis by the interpreting agency providing the services and the client.

VRS and VRI can both be effective forms of communication for DHH and hearing persons to communicate in a variety of different situations and physical settings. There are many options available. More information about LTC’s offerings can be found at https://ltclanguagesolutions.com/interpretation/video/.

Learn more about LTC and VRS/VRI or call us at 888-456-1626.