Additional Recommendations for Interpreters

• Since most Jeenie calls are done on video, make sure you are in a location with very good connectivity (WiFi or cellular) so the customer can clearly see you at all times.
• Make sure the background behind you is as plain as possible. For ASL, it should contrast with your skin tone, so your signing can be clearly seen.
• Position your device in landscape mode if at all possible and stand or sit at a proper distance from it, so the customer can see your hands, face, and torso clearly.
• Try to make sure you fill the screen from head to waist.
• For ASL interpreters, your clothing should be solid-colored (no patterns) and contrast well with your skin tone, so the customer can clearly see your hands against your body.
• Avoid wearing jewelry or other distracting fashion items.
• Position your device so it is facing you straight on, rather than having it tilt up toward you. 
  • For ASL interpreters, after the customer connects, you may need to explain to them how ASL works and that the Deaf customer needs to see you at all times on their device. For spoken language interpreters, it is also very helpful to see the LEP at all times for non-verbal cues that are an integral part of a successful video remote interpretation. 
• Ask the customer to speak directly to the LEP or Deaf or Hard of Hearing individual (saying “you” rather than referring to them in the third person).
• As with any VRI sessions, you are held to the NCIHC standards and RID CPC for ASL interpreters.
• For ASL interpreters if a customer is using Cued American English (or another sign language), rather than American Sign Language, and you are able to help them, please do so. 
• For ASL interpreters you may remind them that currently, Jeenie is offering only ASL on-demand in terms of signed languages. If they need CDI or another signed language, they will need to pre-schedule the session with at least 72 hours' notice.