Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) Services

Sorenson video remote interpreting (VRI) connects Deaf and hearing people with professional BSL interpreters through live video technology. Instead of having an interpreter physically present, participants communicate in real time with an interpreter joining remotely.

What Is Video Remote Interpreting?

Video remote interpreting (VRI) is an on-demand or pre-scheduled service that allows a professional British Sign Language interpreter to join a conversation remotely through high-definition video. With remote video interpretation, Deaf and hearing participants can be together in the same physical room while the BSL interpreter joins virtually from another location.

During video remote interpreting, the interpreter facilitates accurate, two-way dialogue between BSL and spoken English in real time whenever an in-person interpreter is unavailable, short-notice, or impractical.

VRI serves as an immediate, compliant accessibility option across corporate, educational, and medical settings.

Colleagues communicating through remote video interpretation on a tablet

How Does Video Remote Interpreting Work?

Our secure video remote interpreting service connects participants through three straightforward steps:

1. Connect by Video

Participants log in via compatible web browsers, SignVideo web links, or dedicated mobile applications. A registered BSL interpreter connects instantly to the secure call.

2. Communicate Through a BSL Interpreter

The Deaf participant signs in BSL, and the remote video interpreter translates the message into spoken English. The hearing participant responds verbally, and the interpreter signs the reply back.

3. Continue the Conversation in Real Time

The interpreter remains in the meeting room for the entire duration, enabling direct, unhindered conversation between team members, clients, or patients.

Benefits of Sorenson Video Remote Interpreting

Proven advantages of integrating professional video interpreting services into your accessibility workflows:

Flexible Interpreter Access

Eliminate travel delays and travel expenses by accessing qualified BSL interpreters remotely whenever required.

Real-Time Communication

Live back-and-forth dialogue ensures natural pace, immediate clarity, and zero communication lag during critical meetings.

On-Demand & Scheduled Options

Choose between instant on-demand connections for urgent situations or reserved slots for complex, planned presentations.

Professional BSL Interpreting

Rigorous vetting and NRCPD-registered practitioners ensure full compliance, cultural competence, and confidentiality.

When Can You Use Video Remote Interpreting?

Our enterprise video interpreting services scale across any corporate, legal, or public environment:

Workplace Meetings & Interviews: Daily scrums, HR reviews, and hiring panels.
Healthcare Consultations: GP clinics, outpatient procedures, and triage assessments.
Education & Staff Training: University lectures, workshops, and compliance modules.
Customer Service Desks: Immediate support counters and public information points.
Public Sector Services: Council appointments, housing assessments, and advice bureaus.
Conferences & Hybrid Events: Webinars, team days, and multi-speaker presentations.

On-Demand vs Pre-Booked Video Interpreting

On-Demand Video Interpreting

Engineered for unexpected or immediate communication needs. Connect within minutes without prior reservation.

Pre-Booked Video Interpreting

Ideal for scheduled appointments and formal gatherings. Upload agendas, slides, and industry terminologies in advance to ensure precise interpretation.

Why Choose Sorenson for Video Remote Interpreting?

Sorenson is a trusted global language services provider, pairing proprietary infrastructure with registered sign language interpreters to ensure accurate, uninterrupted visual communication.

Beyond standard VRI, Sorenson UK delivers complete inclusive ecosystems including Video Relay Services (VRS), Zoom integrations, and specialised hardware.

Explore the Sorenson UK story →

VRI vs VRS: What's the Difference?

VRI

Video Remote Interpreting: Facilitates face-to-face or video conference interactions where all parties are part of the same scheduled or immediate meeting room.

VRS

Video Relay Service: Connects a Deaf BSL user directly to the public telephone network to place traditional voice telephone calls to hearing individuals.

Video Remote Interpreting FAQs

Frequently asked questions regarding connection setup, booking policies, and service criteria.

How does video remote interpreting work?

Remote video interpreting connects Deaf and hearing participants with a professional BSL interpreter via live video, enabling real-time communication between BSL and spoken English.

Can video remote interpreting be booked in advance?

Yes. Video interpreting services can be pre-booked for meetings, appointments, events, and other scheduled interactions. On-demand interpreting is also available for immediate requirements.

What is the difference between VRI and VRS?

Video remote interpreting (VRI) provides remote interpreting for meetings, appointments, and conversations, while Video Relay Service (VRS) primarily facilitates phone calls between BSL users and hearing people.