Video Remote Interpreter Rooms

To comply with federal law, and as part of the Department’s commitment to ensuring language access for clients, interpreter services must be provided to all clients whose primary language is not English. All staff must offer interpreter services when communicating with clients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or who communicate using American Sign Language (ASL) when conducting DTA business.

Clients who communicate in ASL, use lip reading, or otherwise require visual contact with an interpreter, have the option to use video interpreter services offered through the Department’s contracted interpreter services vendor, Lionbridge. Every Transitional Assistance Office (TAO) has a designated Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) rooms configured to allow any worker to easily connect clients to these video interpreters. 

Video Remote Interpreting Rooms

Every TAO has a designated interview room for accessing video interpreters. These VRI rooms are equipped to allow staff to do case work on their laptop while the client can watch an interpreter on a separate monitor screen connected to a desktop computer. If a client comes to a TAO and requires a video interpreter, staff are to escort the client to the VRI room and connect to an interpreter in order to ask how to assist the client. See Using Video Interpreter Services for more information.

VRI rooms can also be used to connect clients to virtual meetings. If a client visits a TAO to take part in a virtual meeting, TAO staff are to escort the client to the VRI room and connect the client to their meeting. See Connecting Clients to Virtual Meetings for more information.

When not in use, this interview room can be used for non-video purposes only when all other interview rooms are occupied.

VRI Room Equipment

Each VRI room setup will consist of the following:

  • One desktop computer, in good working order, with integrated speakers.
  • One monitor connected to the desktop computer.
  • One webcam, mounted on top of the monitor, with an integrated microphone.
  • A mouse and keyboard, connected to the desktop computer.
  • Space for a worker to perform casework with their laptop.
  • Internet access.
    • Wired ethernet connection to the desktop computer.
    • Wireless internet or a second wired connection for laptop casework.
  • Desk guide for connecting to VRI services.

If any of these components are missing, broken, or in need of service, staff are to report this to their TAO Systems Information Specialist or manager to submit a ticket to have the VRI room serviced.

Front end staff will reboot the desktop computer in this room periodically to make sure it stays up to date with software updates and reliably starts quickly when needed.

Related Topics

TAO Front End Staff Responsibilities for LEP Clients

Connecting an Interpreter to a Virtual Meeting

Guidelines for Providing Interpreter Services

Interpreter Services Policy and Procedures

Last Update:  August 3, 2023