Best Practices for Integrating Sign Language Interpreters and Captioners into Virtual Platforms

Deaf-led Video Tutorial (Interpreted into English)

This video tutorial will show you best practices for live ASL interpreters.

Video Tutorial

Zoom’s Sign Language Interpreting View

There are still some limitations with Zoom’s Sign Language interpreting view. The biggest disadvantage is that the interpretation will not show up in a recording. The interpreter will also not be able to turn on their mic automatically leaving it up to hearing presenters to open the mic or having a second thread that can access a mic. This may create problems for equal access to communication.

Here is the link to Zoom’s information about the option: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/9513103461005-Enabling-Sign-Language-interpretation-view

Preparing for Your Event

Our suggestion is to hold a rehearsal of all tech/screen switches, to ensure that what the attendees are viewing is what you intend.

Important Notes For Webinars:

Recording: To capture the ASL interpreters into the recording they need to be spotlighted. Pinning is not enough. You can spotlight both the interpreter and the presenter.

Switching Interpreters: When the interpreters switch the most professional look we have found is to:

1. Have the second interpreter turn on their video
2. Change the spotlight from the 1st interpreter to the second interpreter
3. Make sure the first interpreter is unspotlighted then turn off their camera

We recommend allowing the interpreters cohost privileges so you don’t have to manage this. Following these steps will make the switches look more smooth to the audience and you will avoid a black screen when the first interpreter turns their video off before you’ve spotlighted the second interpreter.

Same or Separate Link

Most deaf consumers we’ve worked with have preferred to have the interpreters in the same link with everyone else and message through the chat to the interpreters. Not all deaf consumers are the same. Please check with them what their preferences are.

CART/Live Captioning

Captioners can use both the built-in Zoom (or other platform) captioning and a separate livestream (Streamtext) link to follow along at their leisure. They also provide meeting transcripts by request.

Captioners work in a wide variety of virtual platforms so they likely have worked with your platform before. If you have meeting specific technology requirements, please contact us via our contact form or through email so we can answer those questions.

Things to Think About

Zoom Functionality

If you’re new to hosting Zoom meetings and webinars here is a link to tutorials for Zoom settings and functions: Zoom Tutorials

2-Way Communication

How will the deaf person communicate in the meeting? Will everyone use chat? Will they sign? If so, will the interpreters be able to see them easily, or do the interpreters have to search through a list or assortment of video screens?

Breakdowns

What should the protocol be if the deaf person cannot see the interpreter or the interpreter has a problem accessing the content? Should they text you? Should they use chat? Should they speak up in the meeting? What is plan A, B, and C?

Suggestions for Engaging Deaf Colleagues, Employees, and Participants from the National Association for the Deaf

Here are a couple of links from the National Association for the Deaf on best practices for integrating interpreters for virtual meetings or working with deaf in general.

Remote Employment Guidelines for Employers (This is meant for employers, but it also has some great advice on best practices for integrating Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers.)

Video Conferencing Platforms Feature Matrix (This is great to get a sense of what platforms work well for Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers.)

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video Zoom Tutorial w Interpreters

Zoom Tutorial w Interpreters