Video remote sign language interpreting for legal purposes: Assessing feasibility and effectiveness

This interdisciplinary research project investigated the effectiveness of remote sign language interpreting services provided through video remote facilities in the New South Wales legal system. The project was commissioned by the NSW Department of Justice and Attorney General, with a view to informing policy about the provision of sign language interpreters in court remotely via video. Remote access to sign language interpreting was tested across five key venues and six scenarios involving deaf people and signed language interpreters. The aim of the project was to assess the impact of using video remote facilities on the quality of the interpretations when interpreters or deaf people are in different locations, and the stakeholder perceptions of interpreted interactions experienced remotely. The challenge in designing the study was to ensure that the variety of possible combinations was tested, and that issues of familiarity and authenticity were addressed. Qualitative findings provided an overview of the challenges involved for all stakeholders in communicating via video conference. The project informs spoken and signed language interpreter practitioners about issues to consider when interpreting remotely via video.