Behind the Camera: 60 seconds with a SignVideo Interpreter

Rob Skinner, RSLI, Msc Psychology Research Methods, MA Applied Linguistics

What's it like working as a Sign Language video interpreter at SignVideo?

Absolutely love it. The challenge of working with so many different deaf people in one day fulfils my satisfaction as a professional interpreter. I also enjoy being part of a good quality team of interpreters who are able to offer an excellent standard of service.

Why did you decide to work as a video interpreter?

SignVideo is meeting a very important need, which affects deaf people all over the country. I believe in their ambitions and believe in supporting their work. With SignVideo I can cater for more than one person in a day, so my skills are being used more productively and efficiently.

How, do you think, video interpreting will change the lives of deaf people and interpreting generally?

Interpreters will become more accessible, thus readjusting the imbalance between the demand and supply. By employing qualified interpreters it ensures that untrained and unregistered individuals are no longer being used to do important work, and that deaf people in the community get access to RSLIs.

Deaf people who get access to RSLIs will see the difference in standards in terms of information received during their interactions with hearing people via an interpreter. This in turn will empower them, because information is power.

What have been the biggest improvements at SignVideo for video interpreters?

Getting the agreement from ATW to fund deaf people using this service has been the most noticeable breakthrough for me. The needs of deaf people in work are often better met by using SignVideo. In terms of technology no doubt the interface will keep improving and evolving.