Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is excited to introduce Access on Demand, a new platform for Video Remote Interpreting that creates equal access where it has not previously existed for our Deaf community. Access on Demand is a full-service language line that includes American Sign Language and over 200 spoken languages.

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HOW DOES ACCESS ON DEMAND CREATE NEW ACCESS?

 

Hearing individuals and English speakers can walk into the DMV to request a new license, into a pharmacy to ask questions about a prescription, into a professor's office to ask a question about an assignment, or into an employer's office or impromptu meeting. That access is not equally available to the Deaf community or to non-English speakers. Access on Demand changes that reality and creates equal access where it did not previously exist. Now, a simple click on link allows you to serve your Deaf and non-English speaking clients, consumers, and friends in short, unscheduled interactions. 

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HOW DOES ACCESS ON DEMAND WORK?

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Spoken languages are available by phone or video link. ASL is available by video link. No special equipment is needed. No software needs to be downloaded. Simply click a link, and in less than a minute a qualified interpreter will appear. AOD is compatible with any desktop computer, laptop, iOS or Android tablet or smartphone.

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WHY IS ACCESS ON DEMAND IMPORTANT?

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Many language lines only work by phone, only offer spoken languages, or tack on ASL without a real understanding of the language and culture. Access on Demand ensures high quality interpreters in all languages and brings expert knowledge of ASL and the culture of the Deaf community. And we can't say it enough: Access on Demand creates equal access where it did not previously exist. 

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OTHER SERVICES

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We do continue to schedule VRI by appointments as well. Please see Video Remote Interpreting for that service. 

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OUR INTERPRETERS 

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Interpreters at Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing adhere to the highest standards of ethical service.  All of the interpreters who work with us go through a rigorous skills assessment and ongoing professional development. The  majority of the interpreters who work with us are nationally certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). 

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