Abstract

This session described and reported the results of the Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) pilot project that used videoconferencing technology to help increase access to WorkForce Center services in three Greater Minnesota locations. Through the project, deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) consumers accessed VRI and computer aided real time (CART) captioning services. While DHH consumers prefer face-to-face communication, direct and timely communication is not always possible due to the shortage of qualified interpreters and captioners, particularly in rural Minnesota. The pilot project pooled resources of the U.S. Department of Labor; U.S. Department of Education - Rehabilitation Administration; Minnesota Department of Economic Security - Rehabilitation Services; CSD of Minnesota; The University of Arkansas - Little Rock Rehabilitation Research & Training Center; and the Minnesota Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.