How to use Virtual Technology with Sign Language Interpreters

Looking back to the last 2 years more and more organizations have resorted to providing virtual services. Virtual services means being able to provide access to more people within the service area than only for in-person clients, which is great! What about the quality of accessible services that victims & survivors are receiving? Is that equitable to the access that victims & survivors experience when having in-person services? This workshop will be focused on how to make sure your platform is accessible to the individual who needs to use a Sign Language Interpreter whilst using a virtual platform. This workshop will discuss the different platforms, and share which is more accessible when needing to include a Sign Language Interpreter. Also, this workshop will discuss technological barriers that victims & survivors often face when setting up virtual appointments, how the organization should do their due diligence in choosing the right platform, and communication tactics between the client and the interpreter to ensure the meeting will go smoothly. In addition, we will be sharing free Sign Language resources to help benefit rural victim/survivor communities in receiving adequate communication access. The goal is to provide accessible services so victims/survivors feel like they have the resources they need to leave or improve their relationships.