Distance interpreters are for deaf people to talk with hearing people when they are not in the same place. These interpreters use video calls to translate between sign language and spoken language. This service is becoming more common across Europe and is making communication easier for deaf people.
What are Distance Interpreters?
A distance interpreter is a person who helps deaf and hearing people understand each other through video calls. When a deaf person wants to talk with a hearing person, they can connect to an interpreter on their phone, tablet, or computer. The interpreter sees the deaf person signing and tells the hearing person what they are saying. Then the interpreter signs back what the hearing person says[1].
This service has different names in different countries. Some people call it Video Relay Service (VRS) or Video Interpreting Service (VIS). Others call it Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)[1]. All these names mean the same thing – sign language interpretation through video.
How Does Distance Interpreting Work?
To use distance interpreting, you need:
- A device with a camera (phone, tablet, or computer)
- Good internet connection
- An app or website for the service[2]
The deaf person opens the app and connects to an interpreter. The interpreter appears on the screen and can see the deaf person signing. When the deaf person needs to talk with someone who doesn’t know sign language, the interpreter assists them to communicate[3].
In some countries, you need to book an interpreter in advance. But in other countries, you can connect to an interpreter right away without booking[3][4].
Distance Interpreting in Europe
Many European countries offer distance interpreting services:
- Sweden was the first country with a government-paid service in 1997. It is the largest in Europe with 110,000 minutes of use each month[1].
- In the Netherlands, deaf people can use “Tolkcontact” to connect with an interpreter immediately without booking ahead[3].
- Slovakia has “Online tlmočník” (Online interpreter) that helps deaf people at train stations, doctor visits, and government offices[4][5].
- France has five companies that provide video interpreting services. Since 2016, French law requires telephone services to be accessible for deaf people[1].
- Spain offers the “Svisual” service in Spanish Sign Language and Catalan Sign Language[1].
Why Distance Interpreters are Important
Distance interpreters give deaf people more freedom. They can:
- Talk with doctors without waiting for an in-person interpreter[4]
- Get help in emergencies by calling 112 (in some countries)[6]
- Handle everyday tasks like shopping or banking[4][5]
- Save time and money by not traveling to meet an interpreter[2]
- Get service even when there are no local interpreters available[2]
The European Union is working to make these services better. The European Accessibility Act will require more companies to provide accessible services by June 28, 2025[7]. This will help deaf people have equal access to information and services across Europe.
European Union of the Deaf is also asking for all 29 national sign languages to become official EU languages[8]. This would give deaf people more rights to information and services in their own language.
Citations:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_relay_service
- https://www.semantix.com/solutions/interpreting/video-interpreting-digital-meetings
- https://www.berengroep.nl/portfolio/tolkcontact-tolk-op-afstand/
- https://www.telekom.sk/o-spolocnosti/spolocenska-zodpovednost/blog/online-tlmocnik-pomaha-nepocujucim
- https://www.zssk.sk/on-line-tlmocnik/
- https://www.berec.europa.eu/en/emergency-means?page=16
- https://www.nimdzi.com/european-accessibility-act/
- https://www.eud.eu/the-publication-of-our-latest-position-paper-titled-national-sign-languages-as-eu-official-languages/