VIS is a new service being offered by HIS Sign to fill the gap caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic.  We had a limited rollout to our educational systems to fill the critical need for communication with teachers, students and parents.  We have had success and plan to release this service to the broader scope of our customers.

HIS Sign will make VIS available to all our customers and will work with each customer to customize the solution to meet their needs.

For the initial rollout, HIS Sign has utilized our staff interpreter as well as a few select interpreters with tenure with HIS Sign.  We will be adding more interpreters to our list of approved VIS providers with our next phase.

Once approved with proper equipment, the HIS Sign IT Specialist will be able to complete your set up within 1-2 business days.

VIS requires high quality equipment and professionalism to deliver the quality of services that HIS Sign has become known for.  With that in mind, VIS providers must have a current VQAS 3-2 or above, EIPA 3.5 or above, or RID national certification.  Additional requirements include but may not be limited to the following:

• High-speed internet.
  • Direct ethernet connection to your computer is preferred.
• Hardware Requirements
  • Computer or Laptop with the following minimum specifications:
    • 0 GHz or faster. I5, i7 processor preferred
    • 6 GB of physical RAM
    • At least 250 GB or larger Hard Drive
  • Reliable audio source (may be built-in or external mic) for high quality sound
  • High quality camera (may be built-in or external camera) for high quality visual with minimum video resolution of 720p
  • Hands free headset to ensure quality audio and confidentiality
• Software Requirements
  • Download programs such as Zoom, Skype, Adobe Connect, Google Hangouts, Google Duo. Please note, other platforms may be used as requested by the customer.
• Environmental Requirements
  • Solid colored professional background
  • Optimal lighting
  • Professional dress and grooming in harmony with industry guidelines
  • Quiet workspace free of disturbance or noise
  • Confidential private workspace

VIS is not a call center.  Interpreting requests will be matched with a qualified and available interpreter that is the best fit for the job.  In addition, VIS will provide additional features unavailable to other video interpreting solutions, such as screen sharing, ability to create breakout rooms, and more.  All VIS providers will be trained and have access to technical support.

The interpreting industry continues to evolve and make use of emerging technologies for the benefit of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.  It is the goal of HIS Sign to utilize these resources as an alternate solution to ensure continued access to communication. However, onsite interpreting has been the foundation for interpreting and has proven to be the most preferred form of interpreting services.  HIS Sign will always align itself with the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.

VIS interpreting is a cost-effective solution that will be billable at a competitive flat rate.  To make this service available to customers on demand, there will be no differential rates applied to VIS.  In addition, all services will be paid at a one hour minimum with 15-minute increments for additional time.  For more information, contact TerpAdmin@HISsign.com.

Whether interpreting onsite, or remotely, the health and safety of our interpreters is of the utmost concern to HIS Sign.  We are examining options to support teaming for VIS in a way that is not intrusive to the Deaf and hearing clients and provides the needed support for the interpreting team.