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Virtual Vs In-Person Interpreting: Which Should You Choose?
Can virtual sign language interpreting be as effective as in-person support?
This video explores how both virtual and in-person interpreting provide deaf and hard-of-hearing students with full communication access. Learn how each approach supports participation, engagement, and collaboration in the classroom.
At LAF Sign Language Solutions, we are often asked, "Can virtual sign language interpreting really be as effective as in-person sign language interpreting?" Whether an interpreter is sitting in the classroom with the student or logging into a secure online interpreting platform, the goal is the same: to ensure that the student has full language access, that they can participate in class discussions, and that they can interact with their peers in real time.
Virtual interpreting is not new to the deaf community. Many deaf adults have used virtual interpreters in medical situations, legal situations, and community interpreting settings. In the classroom, educational interpreters can be easily accessed using high-quality video technology, by using well-trained and qualified interpreters who are familiar with the virtual interpreting platform, and also by collaboration with the on-site educational team. All of this together makes communication seamless and natural for the students.
It's important to remember that virtual services don't replace in-person support, but it can be an amazing option to expand it. So, when should schools consider using a virtual interpreter? Virtual interpreting can be a powerful solution for school districts that are facing a shortage of qualified interpreters, who are in rural areas where interpreters are just not available, where there are on-site interpreters, but they want to eliminate gaps when staff are away on vacation or out sick. Or also when flexibility is needed, allowing students to have a little more independence in the classroom.
At LAFSLS, we believe that each student is unique and has specific needs, so we want to learn more about your school district, about your students, about what the current need is so that we can understand how we can customize and offer services that are specific to your circumstances. Schedule your free discovery call today to learn more.
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