Should I Work VRS? ┃ ASL Stew

[@JessicaNiles]

I guess I thought VRS was done from home... maybe it is NOW, post-Covid?

[@Sonicxis4ever]

Honestly I’ve been interpreting for my friend who is Deaf and blind (not professionally) but I do it when he needs me. I would say I like being able to know someone well and interpret for them because you get to learn their personality, their attitude, and essentially HOW they would say something. I’m not sure if I would like VRS just because you never know what may come up

[@craftgrrl14]

Is it possible to work VRS or some other interpreting job from home? I have multiple chronic illnesses. Originally I wanted to be a doctor, but I am not sure that is a realistic goal for me anymore. I find languages fascinating, especially sign language and braille, and I think it would be cool to get involved in other disabled communities apart from my own. I found that Gallaudet has online degree programs that I could do from home, but I am wondering if the same could be said for jobs. I am not completely housebound, but having the option to work from home is something I would need.

[@TheStews]

[Jill] From what I've been told, it is not as common to work VRS from your home. It seems some companies may work with an individual depending on their situation, so you would have to contact a company directly to see if at-home interpreting is an option for you. There is the VRI (video remote interpreting) industry. That is where you do assignments but from home. So it's not VRS, it's "regular" assignment interpreting, but you are at home and work through a screen. My feel from many Deaf people are that they don't like this service, but that is another option you could look into. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with the companies that provide that. Maybe Purple or CDVRS? I'm not sure. Good luck on becoming an interpreter! :)

[@Bfolks84]

Vrs is my least paying job. By almost 50%! I only use vrs work as a part time.

[@TheStews]

Wow really?

[@kellycano7890]

I work at a call center where we conduct surveys and the phone number that called dialed into a vrs interpreter. I had never had an experience like that before. It was really neat! i wanted to ask her so many questions but i had to remember that i was working too, just like she was. When i told her thank you she seemed kind of shocked that i told her thank you.

[@TheStews]

[Jill] Yes often we don't' typically get thanked by the "hearing' callers. Some people do, but not all. I'm sure that is why the interpreter sounded a little shocked. That was nice of you. I'm glad you enjoyed your experience. :)

[@cynthiabussey6917]

I actually have an interview today with a VRS company. I hope it goes well. I have worked education for a very long time. I am ready for a change.

[@TheStews]

Cynthia Bussey [Jill] Good luck!

[@victormirman3935]

update? how it go

[@jessicajungfan3874]

What is VRS?

[@TheStews]

[Jenna] VRS is video relay service. Deaf people can call VRS on videophone/app and an ASL interpreter will answer the call and call regular phone numbers to interpret between the deaf person and hearing person on the phone.

[@wallflowerbutch]

I am by no way fluent, but I've taken a couple of classes at my community college and have researched on my own for a few years now. And I have actually helped a few customers at my work who were deaf. One woman seemed so happy that she didn't have to resort to her phone. It was a great feeling!

[@TheStews]

[Jill] That is great you are able to communicate with your Deaf customers!

[@123ashleycool]

Interesting and informative! Thanks!

[@TheStews]

Thanks back. :)

[@stephaniepatterson3959]

I'm an ASL student and will start the interpreting program in the Fall. I really hope to work VRS for the stability. My husband-to-be is Deaf and I want to be sure I can provide for us. I would still go to Deaf chats, but the stability factor and health insurance benefits of VRS really draw me to that interpreting niche.

[@Sonicxis4ever]

As an Interpreter, are you getting paid monthly?

[@cruzbm123]

Hi I am very interested in looking for employment vrs interpreter , please help me know where to apply

[@funnyfunnybunnies]

any ideas for work opportunities while still in an IEP?

[@realmofthemisunderstood166]

Huh, I’ve been told the VRS actually pays quite poorly, especially if you’re not certified. Does it vary from state to state?

[@TheStews]

I'm honestly not sure. I've never had issues with pay, but maybe that's just me.

[@rpollard38]

ive just applied to work at purple and have an interview soon. I was wondering what is something a beginner to vrs to know and and what tips do you have ? also what challenges did you face starting off ?

[@TheStews]

Be ready for anything! Seriously, VRS means you have to be ready for any type of call. You have no prep and just have to go with the flow even if you have no knowledge of the situation. I would say though, don't freak if a call comes up and you don't know anything about it. I know nothing of mechanics, but that doesn't mean I cannot do a good job at the call. Just act confident and keep as calm as can be. Remember to mirror both the hearing and Deaf consumers. Good luck!

[@artchic15]

Thank you so much for making this video! I want to become an ASL interpreter and do VRS after college so this was so helpful!

[@TheStews]

You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck in the future on interpreting.

[@harveyabel1354]

More VRS terps means fewer in-person terps, hard to strike a balance. But it is what it is I guess.

[@TheStews]

Yes, it has become a problem that many interpreters are leaving the community because VRS provides stability and often better pay (not always).

[@jazzyjones8976]

Can you do VRS and do freelance? Also, say you get certified in medical interpreting and court interpreting can you do both? Basically can you dip into different types of interpreting at the same time? Hopefully you respond!

[@TheStews]

Yes, you can. You can be a freelance interpreter in multiple settings at the same time, or do VRS and freelance as well. As long as you follow company rules then you are fine. That is the beauty of interpreting, there are so many different things you can do. :)

[@billyriedel6449]

I am thinking of doing VRS. I have been observing interpreters in the VRS setting and it seems like a place that would be good for me. I won't really know until I try

[@TheStews]

That is true. Good luck :)

[@madib8487]

I've been signing for a long time but am nervous about becoming an interpreter (and eventually VRS interpreter) because sometimes my brain can't work fast enough to process what is being said/signed and then I lose my place. I am heading to college for it in a couple years but am pretty nervous about that...any advice?

[@TheStews]

[Jill] I would say you need to train your brain. It can feel really hard to keep up with someone when you are first starting out. Over time you will learn different techniques as you go through schooling on how to better process information and train your brain to work at a faster pace. Just take your time, try to practice using sign language with Deaf people, and work hard. You will do great! :) Good luck!

[@t60334]

Jill, I love the way you wear the small band on the lower portion of your right finger! I had to buy one, and now I I'm wearing mine the same way except on the left hand! I think it looks so cool when you're interpreting!

[@TheStews]

Aww, thanks! I do love that ring. I have no idea how I got it or when but have had it a long time. :) Now we're twins! Yay!

[@ariela_]

Do you need a degree? Do they allow codas to work?

[@TheStews]

It depends on the company. As far as I know, some don't need degrees. It's mostly based on skill. I could be wrong (cause I didn't pay attention...) but I don't think the company I work for needs a degree. But I have one, so I didn't check. CODAs def can work.

[@kats8776]

Hi! Possible interpreter here, and I was wondering: what school did you attend to learn ASL and interpretation? I will be based in NYC, and I was wanted to know if you’ve heard of LaGuardia AEILP? Sometimes I find it hard to know whether an ASL or an interpreting program is a good program that will help get me hired. I’m worried that since LaGuardia is a community college, the degree will be seen as inferior. Do you have any thoughts? Thank you for your help and your videos!!

[@TheStews]

Well, I attended a community college in MI first and transferred to RIT/NTID for my BS. I have not heard of the reputation of LaGuardia, so sorry I cannot comment on that. To be honest, I feel that where you got your degree is not important. I have never had anyone look at my degree and care. They care about your skill level. You will be assessed and that is the most important part of getting hired. Good luck!

[@kats8776]

The Stews Thank you immensely for your advice! I will definitely work hard on my skill level going forward.

[@jonathanmarshall9763]

VRS...VIDEO RELAY SERVICES?

[@TheStews]

yes

[@bohartman]

I just starting thinking about going into VRS and this video was pretty helpful! I have a question: What is the likelihood that I could find a VRS job (even just 911 calls) that allows me to work remotely? My goal is to move to back to my hometown, which doesn't have a large deaf population. Thanks

[@TheStews]

Currently the only company that does remote (at home) is Purple. You would have to get in contact with them to ask if you qualify. I have never worked for them. Good luck! 😀

[@bohartman]

@@TheStews Good to know, thanks!

[@jesse382]

What's the work attire?

[@TheStews]

It depends on the company, but business casual is usually appropriate. Obviously, you are able to wear more bright colors or prints on your bottom half (can't be seen in the camera). But, you still need to dress professional. Also, it's really important to wear contrasting colors (more than in person) as video makes that more important.

[@epicsquidy123]

Do you have any suggestions for online ASL courses? I know you stopped making lessons on KZbin because you're a hearing person, but do you know of any youtubers who make lessons who aren't hearing?

[@artchic15]

I use Lifeprint.com and really enjoy it. It's an awesome website with tons of information!

[@uniquelyfe8762]

We're deaf youtuber and we will teach ASL lesson some of the time within a request. We made our first video yesterday check it out. Would appreciate if you subscribe it!

[@TheStews]

Here are some resources: Bill Vicars: kzbin.infovideos ASL Nook: kzbin.infofeed CHS ASL: kzbin.infovideos Good luck :)

[@funnyfunnybunnies]

any ideas for work opportunities while still in an IEP?

[@TheStews]

[Jill] I'm assuming you mean while in an ITP? If you are still a student, then you can work with your teachers/mentors to see if there are any approved volunteer opportunities in your area. You want to be sure that they are at your skill level. I would say your advisor/mentor/teacher could help you decide what is appropriate.

[@funnyfunnybunnies]

+ASL Stew thanks for the help. Any advice for finding a mentor that is certified? As a general rule in my IEP, students do not interpret in paid positions. however, as a college student that needs to pay for my IEP, I need a higher paying position.. and the only type of position I am close to being qualified for is interpreting! any thoughts?

[@TheStews]

You can ask your professors or your advisor in the ITP if they know of any mentors in your area (certified too). As to working while still in an ITP that is something that opinions vary. I would say that you should just work on volunteer (low-risk) jobs until you and your mentor (talk with them first) are ready for any type of paid work. Every person in an ITP is at a different level so I can't say whether or not you can get paid work (although it is mostly frowned upon). You could look into jobs that work with Deaf people, but is not interpreting, like school aides, working a dorm, caregiver, etc...

[@funnyfunnybunnies]

Thank you I appreciate your thoughts.

[@miagyaneshwar3953]

do you sign american or austtralian'

[@TheStews]

American :)

[@RoganShannon13]

One thing that may help you be clear on which one it is: American Sign Language is abbreviated to ASL, and Australian Sign Language is abbreviated to Auslan. They never use ASL for Australian. Hope that helps :)

[@miagyaneshwar3953]

+Rogan Shannon thankyou that helps

[@embraceyourgirlfriend7505]

YES I am an interpreter as well. I just came across your channel! We are lesbian vloggers. I do contract/ freelance Interpreting as well but I LOVE VRS

[@TheStews]

[Jill] Cool! Happy to hear you love VRS. :)