Review of Sign Language Interpretation Services and Service ...

The use of videophones and webcams for remote interpreting and/orcommunication between sign language users has been increasing over the pastnumber of years. The impetus for these developments has come from two sides.On the one hand there are hearing users of interpreting services, agenciesproviding interpreters and governments promoting the use of these technologies.On the other, there are Deaf people themselves, and their wish to take advantageof the opportunities presented by new technology.However, one should not overestimate the responsiveness of Deaf people tothese new opportunities. Allsop et al (2005), were commissioned by the ScottishExecutive to investigate the extent of Deaf people's access to public services inScotland. They concluded that although videophones have been available invarious locations around the country for six years now, video communications“have made little impact on the Deaf Community”. Of those questioned, over 92%had rarely or never used a webcam and over 98% had never used a videophone.However, there is no analysis available on why this figure is so high.One reason may be that videophones are not currently seen or available asmainstream equipment, so there are barriers to be overcome in order to train theuser so that it becomes the norm (in the way that so many people now use theubiquitous mobile phone and SMS each day).However, more research needs to be carried out in this area to ensure that theDeaf community will make use of any new technologies through whichinterpreting services are provided. Research is beginning to emerge, debatinghow these technologies will affect sign language interpreters working conditions,e.g. Sharon Lee, 'How will we define our future as online interpreters' paper to theSupporting Deaf People, online conference, 2001.Video-relay/videophonesAn example of a video relay system can be found in England where the RNIDplans to develop their Typetalk relay system (whereby conventionally an operatorrelays a message between a Deaf person using a text phone and a hearing personusing a conventional phone). The RNID plans to use an interpreter in place of theoperator and a videophone instead of a textphone. This will enable a Deaf personusing BSL to communicate with a hearing person using a telephone, via theinterpreter who would be using a videophone.Another example of a video relay interpreting system in England is the serviceprovided by Significant UK Ltd., a private company operating out of London.The company has a pool of freelance interpreters working on a rota basis in avideo relay call centre. They currently have eight work stations, but are planningto have a virtual call centre, which will expand to incorporate interpreters workingfrom home.The British government has been very supportive of the 'Significant' initiative andhas provided funding to cover the first year of the service, with a total investmentin the region of £500,000 (approximately €700,000). Significant has beencontracted to provide remote interpreting services to local authorities in England.It is the intention that videophones will be installed in each of the local authoritiesin time, to facilitate Deaf people accessing public services.page 96 • Review of Sign Language Interpretation Services and Service Requirements in Ireland