In many cases going with a cheaper service, means a direct trade off of quality. Video remote interpreting services are not one of these cases. You still get access to certified and licensed interpreters as long as you are working with a reputable VRI agency. Each state has different rules and regulations, so if you are looking for a VRI company to partner with, you should make sure they are familiar with ASL services in your area before moving forward with services.
The cost of American Sign Language interpreting services can seem pretty steep. The reason for this is that there is actually a shortage of qualified sign language professionals in most areas of the United States. This tips the supply and demand chart on the side that demands a higher price than other language professionals. Also, American Sign Language is the only regulated form of communication in most every area of the country. There are no national certifications or state licenses for those who translate spoken languages like Spanish, French and others. This means if you need a spoken language translator, you have no way to be assured that they are skilled in the service they are offering you.
If a company reaches out to national ASL company for an in person interpreter you will most likely hear prices from $70.00/hour - $100.00/hour or even more!
Most companies find it hard to rationalize these costs and will only provide interpreting services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals when they are required to by ADA laws. This is sad, as many deaf people would make great employees and may even find themselves being turned away from medical offices as new patients. There is another option that can
This is something that only effects those who live in remote locations or in areas where there is a major shortage of sign language interpreters. However, if you are currently required to pay for interpreters travel time, then you know that this can be a very, very expensive scenario. Take back control of your costs, by utilizing VRI and you will never see a line item for travel costs on an invoice again.
This is usually something that companies can take advantage of if there is an all day conference or some college classes that run together that are not over an hour long. If you are hiring on site interpreters, they generally bill straight through because they are on site, rather they are actively interpreting or not. In some cases, using VRI sign language services, these can be broken up into smaller pieces of billable time, offering a considerable savings.
As you may have noticed already, there is a national standard set forth by interpreters and agencies nation wide that require a 2 hour minimum charge for any on site
ASL services that are provided. This means if you have a short 30 minute 1 on 1 meeting with a deaf employee, you will pay for an hour and half of time that you will not be utilizing the interpreter for. Most VRI companies offer a minimum billable time anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour. This means you can save on almost every job that you are able to use VRI for. Not every setting is a good fit for video remote interpreting services, but for those that are, you can save up to 60% in many cases!
