Kelsey Y Jandoc

For my fellowship, I was part of the team responsible for implementing a tool that increases access to legal services for deaf, hard-of hearing, and deaf-blind individuals. Tablets with unique software will be designated to each of the 18 field offices so that these clients can immediately communicate with staff or an attorney without having to wait for an interpreter. The goal of this holistic Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) project was to implement technologies that increase access to legal services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and build upon the work of CLEAR*ASL. Each tablet would be enabled with VRI software to connect field offices with a qualified video sign language interpreter service to allow both reception and attorney staff to interact with Deaf clients on a walk-in, ad hoc, or emergency basis without having to call an in-person interpreter. NJP can then offer the full range of access for the deaf including VRI and VRS (video relay) using the tablets, and phone using our video phone. By establishing these VRI stations in our field offices NJPcan increase communication access to Deaf clients, build upon existing competencies, and reduce unnecessary delays and barriers to effectively representing this community. To make this a reality, I led the installation of video equipment in field offices and assisted with creating video training components. I also helped develop training for all staff to understand how and when to use the video interpreting equipment to communicate with those using American Sign Language. I also worked to develop outreach and marketing materials to inform the Deaf community about VRI services at NJP. ‍