VRI in the Classroom: Best Practices for Effective Access 

VRI, short for Video Remote Interpreting, is the live use of professional ASL interpreting services via video conferencing technology such as Zoom. This remote access provides a larger pool of interpreting services to many Deaf individuals who face local availability limitations. In the current national accessibility landscape, Deaf consumers face a nearly 50 to 1 interpreter shortage. This means for every 50 Deaf consumers, only 1 certified ASL interpreter exists. With a decline in ASL programs across the nation, this shortage will only grow leading to less and less access. VRI stands as a powerful tool to provide accessibility despite these odds.  

The National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcome reports, “1.4% of all college students are deaf. The majority of deaf college students are pursuing bachelor’s degrees (42.1%) or associate degrees (45.8%).” With hundreds of thousands of higher education students being Deaf or hard-of-hearing, the need for access is no longer optional. While on-site availability can often be challenging for interpreters local to college campuses, VRI remains an equally useful alternative to still offer that needed access. The following insights and resources will explore VRI use specifically within classroom environments with special attention given to best practices for equity-based educational learning. It’s important to note that this approach considers the need of VRI not only on the Deaf consumer, but also on the educator to be understood and successful in their teaching, on the classmates for inclusive, peer-based learning settings, and on the institution for providing accessible instruction.  

Set the Stage for Success: Prepare the Environment 

While widely convenient in the current digital age, VRI does require a few key components from its environment to be mutually successful for it’s users. Below are environmental factors to take into consideration for VRI use in your classroom.  

• Internet Connection – Does your internet quality support prolonged video connection for the display of your interpreter? 

• Technology- Is your educator/presenter mic’d or audible via speaker for the interpreter to hear for interpretation through the video call? Is the video calling device loud enough for the educator to hear voicing for the Deaf student for questions or presentation needs? 

• Lighting- Is lighting suitable for your student to view their interpreter and for the interpreter to view any relevant content for interpretation as needed? 

• Class Structure- Has the course content including any presentation copies been provided to the interpreter for advance preparation? Does the class structure support clear audio sources with one person speaking at a time? 

Be Mindful of Student Needs 

When working with a Deaf or hard-of-hearing student who uses interpreting services, it’s important to allow adequate time for the student to process interpreted content. Interpreting happens with a slight delay, so pausing occasionally gives the student a chance to fully understand and engage. Be patient with any communication delays and create space for questions to ensure the student can actively participate in class discussions and activities. 

At the start of the class, make a point to introduce all key participants, including the teacher, the interpreter, and the student. This helps set the tone for a collaborative learning environment. Teachers should be encouraged to speak clearly and one at a time, as overlapping voices are difficult for interpreters to manage. It’s also helpful if teachers avoid pacing or turning away while speaking, as interpreters rely on clear audio and students may rely on visual cues. 

During video clips or visual presentations, avoid speaking unless the content is captioned or interpreted. Otherwise, Deaf students may miss important information. Additionally, it’s helpful to discuss ahead of time how to manage interruptions or side conversations—interpreters need to hear everything being said in order to effectively convey the full classroom experience. By establishing these practices, the classroom can be more accessible and inclusive for everyone. 

Accommodations are not just about communicating the content to the student, but the student being able to communicate the understanding of that content.  

Ensure Privacy and FERPA Compliance 

Student privacy is a major concern in the area of accessibility service provision. Be sure to vet your interpreting agencies thoroughly with special attention to internal FERPA standards. One way to safeguard your student’s privacy is to request a BAA (Business Associate Agreement) from your agency with their dedicated video conferencing platform. This reinforces their mutual commitment to consumer data protection as well as providing you with safeguards for secure data practices.  

Evaluate and Adjust Regularly 

Gathering feedback from the student, interpreter, and teachers is essential for ensuring that Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is effective and accessible. Each participant offers valuable insight into what’s working well and where improvements might be needed. Regular check-ins create opportunities to identify barriers early and adjust the experience to better support communication and learning. Many institutions opt to collect this feedback via survey for each semester to allow for development amongst all parties involved.  

Treat VRI as a dynamic support tool that may require changes over time. Be willing to make adjustments to the setup, flow of communication, or the technology being used based on feedback. Continuous improvement is key to maintaining a successful VRI experience, and small changes can make a big difference in how inclusive and effective the classroom environment feels. 

In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, accessibility must remain a top priority. Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) provides a critical bridge to communication and inclusion for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, especially in environments where onsite interpreting isn’t feasible. As institutions strive to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body, understanding how to implement and support VRI effectively is no longer optional—it’s essential. 

By preparing the environment, centering the student’s needs, ensuring privacy compliance, and treating VRI as a tool for continuous improvement, educators and administrators can help create learning spaces where all students have the opportunity to succeed. Accessibility is not a one-time setup—it’s an ongoing commitment to equity. With thoughtful implementation and regular evaluation, VRI can be a sustainable and empowering solution in classrooms across the country. 

Ready to learn more about VRI for your classroom? Schedule a consultation with our team today! 

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Sources:  

https://nationaldeafcenter.org/resources/research-data/deaf-college-student-data