On Demand Service Scheduled Booking Service Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) via Skype Victoria (SLC VIC) enables Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing people to communicate by providing interpreting services between Australian Sign Language (Auslan) and English. SLC VIC provides a Skype VRI service where the interpreting between the Deaf and hearing people can take place remotely. The interpreter works from a VRI suite (at Vicdeaf); the Deaf and hearing people are situated offsite generally in a workplace setting. SLC VRI via Skype can be used in two different ways: VRI On Demand SLC VRI will provide an Auslan interpreter ready to take immediate VRI calls via Skype. For information on times when this service is available, please go to www.vicdeaf.com.au You do not need to make a booking for this service. First come, first served. If this service becomes popular, more hours will become available for on demand services. For information on fees and service agreement, please see the next page. VRI - Scheduled Booking A SLC VRI service via Skype can be booked ahead of time to suit your needs. To book a VRI service, details of how to make a booking online are on the next page. SLC VRI via Skype is available Monday Friday between 8am 6pm. SLC requests that a minimum of 24 hours be provided to organise a VRI interpreter for you. For information on fees and service agreement, please see the next page. Page 1 of 6
SERVICE AGREEMENT and further information On Demand Service: An on demand Skype VRI service is Monday Friday at specified times. The hours of interpreter availability may vary as demand for the service increases; for details of when an on demand VRI interpreter is potentially available, go to www.vicdeaf.com.au and click on VRI hours of operation. If you wish to use the on demand service you will need to complete the details as outlined below and return a copy to the booking office. You ll be then registered as an on demand user. When using the on demand service, there is no need to book; simply make the call during those times when an interpreter is available. We will record the details of your assignment and invoice you at the completion of the assignment generally within two weeks. If we miss a call because we are on another VRI call; we ll do our best to call you back. Alternatively you can contact the booking office to book an interpreter. Please note the maximum time you can use the on demand service is 30mins. The on demand service is designed for quick meetings or for urgent situations and is first come first served. Scheduled Booking Service: If you wish to use the scheduled Skype VRI service, you will need to read and agree to the terms and conditions on our website (see below for further instructions). After the assignment you will be issued with an invoice; generally within two weeks. For Scheduled Skype VRI, Making a Booking is Simple: 1. Click register and enter your details. Give yourself a User Name and Password, then proceed to New Booking Video Remote. If you are already registered, simply log in. 2. When you click New Booking Video Remote you ll be asked to read our Terms and Conditions. Please do so, then tick the I Agree box and click Submit. 3. When making a VRI booking, ensure you click on the drop down menu VRI site preferred, then select SKYPE Video Relay Interpreting. 4. When you have completed your booking, click Submit in the top right hand corner of the booking form. 5. When we have allocated an interpreter, you will receive an automated fax or email. You will be able to log in to the booking system and can see the name of the interpreter by selecting the View Your Bookings function. If you do not wish to receive a fax, please type none in the fax number field, and make sure you type your email address in the email field. You will then receive an automated email confirmation. 6. To check your bookings, simply log in and click on View Your Bookings. There you will see all bookings you have made. Use the date range to view previously made bookings. Page 2 of 6
How Many Interpreters Will I Need for Scheduled Bookings? The ASLIA Occupational Health and Safety policy states that if an interpreting assignment is longer than one hour in duration, TWO interpreters must be employed. It is important for interpreters to work in teams to avoid mental and subsequent physical, fatigue which will affect the quality of service. The number of interpreters required is dependent upon the dynamic and intensity of the assignment, not the number of Deaf or hearing participants. Our staff is happy to discuss your needs and can provide any further information required to assist you when making a decision. How Many Interpreters Will I Need for On Demand Bookings? As the on demand service only runs for a maximum of 30mins there will only be a need for one interpreter. Fees for service Type of Service Min charge for one interpreter (excl. GST) Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) On Demand Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) Scheduled Booking $74.00 (max 30mins) $148.00 All Bookings: are subject to GST prices are subject to change without notice on demand calls that are less than 30min in duration will incur the minimum booking charge of $74.00 Payment Procedure An invoice will be posted approximately two weeks after the service has been provided. Page 3 of 6
Cancellations If you wish to cancel a booking please fax or telephone our office at any time, notifying the date and time of the booking. Full fees will be charged for any booking cancelled less than two full business days prior to the start of the booking. Full fees will be charged if a booking is cancelled due to participants failing to attend. Quality: SLC VIC employs only National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accredited interpreters. We provide the best possible match between the Deaf client, interpreter and interpreting assignment. All interpreters employed by SLC VIC must participate in the NAATI Revalidation Program. For further details go to: www.naati.com.au. Image quality on Skype can vary depending on many factors including, but not limited to: the speed & bandwidth of either party s internet connection, computer hardware and processing power, network traffic etc. These factors are beyond the control of SLC VIC and as such we are unable to guarantee that image quality will be ideal on every occasion. SLC VIC does offer additional VRI services whereby you can book a conference at one of our facilities located across Melbourne and regional Victoria, provided through the DHS VRI Service (go to www.vriservice.com.au for further information). Working with an Interpreter: When working with an interpreter speak directly to and, where possible, maintain eye contact with the Deaf person. It is important that the seating arrangements and lighting are appropriate for clear communication, so please consult with the Deaf or hard of hearing person and the interpreter before the session begins. For Scheduled VRI bookings please respect occupational health and safety standards by ensuring that interpreters take breaks. It is appropriate to allow a 10 minute break every 25 minutes for interpreters working alone, and it is best to discuss this with the interpreter before the session begins. Code of Ethics Interpreters: Page 4 of 6
Interpreters that are employed by (SLC VIC) shall abide by the Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association (ASLIA) Code of Ethics which, in part, enshrines the work practices in relation to professional accountability, competence, impartiality and confidentiality. To view the Code of Ethics in their entirety, please refer to the ASLIA website at www.aslia.com.au. Agreement: I hereby agree to the SLC VIC VRI terms and conditions: Organisation Name Telephone Mobile Email EAF ID Nbr Postal Address Suburb State Post Code Name: Page 5 of 6
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