Folks…
I see a few comments and emails here and there that basically said where are comments from groups of interpreters?
Well..got this intriguing ex-parte presentation from a group of video interpreters with the name of “Video Interpreters United”.
Quote: “Most of the members of VIU are Communications Assistants i.e. Video Interpreters (“VIs”). As VIs, we have experienced and witnessed many variations of potentially if not abusive and fraudulent VRS practices perpetrated mainly by the providers of VRS and their business associates.”
About 11 pages long.
VIU Ex-Parte Presentations Link:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020353122
Quotables below..
“..the Commission continues to specifically restrict conference calls that do not involve hearing people from being compensable by the Fund; and instead maintain a Multipoint Control Unit (“MCU”) within the unified platform;”
Translation: multiple-persons video conference should be between hearing person(s) and deaf/hoh persons, and that VRS should offer multiple video conference program within VRS platform.
This next quote is an interesting perspective from VIU. What below means is that hearing persons should pay for fees to use VRS-related video phones.
“..that in order to offset costs associated with the provision of VRS-related products and services, providers charge subscription fees to customers for point-to-point calls similarly to what users of non-relay services pay to access the telephone network;”
My reaction this next quote is “hmmmm??”
“..that the Commission compensate providers a flat rate of usage amount rather than a per minute rate of usage based on the device used to access the unified platform for VRS purposes;”
The following statement was strong in its criticism of a certain VRS provider.
“..VI’s including those working for Sorenson are currently compelled to tolerate unhealthy working conditions that not only threaten our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, but also hamper our ability to exercise authority and autonomy in the industry as professionals providing sign language interpretations over video relay..”
Equally interesting is the following statements – I don’t know if this is realistic, though:
“..VIU recommends the creation of a national VRS platform for all providers’ networks that does not impede transparent interoperability between provider networks..”
Strongly suggest you read the ex-parte presentation carefully. After you read this, I know lot of subscribers of edsalert are also interpreters. So both deaf/hoh and interpreters please comment away. As always be civil in your comments.
eyes open & thumbs up,
Ed Bosson
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.edsalert.com
Long Link:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020353122
Source:
http://www.edsalert.com/2009/12/22/video-interpreter-ex-parte-presentation/