How can you ensure accurate sign language interpretation for webinars?

1 Choose a qualified interpreter

Not all sign language interpreters are the same. You need to find one who has the appropriate credentials, experience, and skills to interpret your webinar content and context. Look for interpreters who are certified by a reputable organization, such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) in the US, the Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC) in Canada, or the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI) internationally. You also need to consider the language preferences and needs of your audience. For example, some people may use American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), or International Sign (IS). You may need to hire more than one interpreter if you have a diverse or global audience.

2 Prepare the interpreter in advance

To ensure a smooth and accurate interpretation, you need to prepare the interpreter with as much information as possible about your webinar. This includes the agenda, the objectives, the speakers, the slides, the terminology, the acronyms, the references, and any other relevant materials. You should also communicate with the interpreter about the format, the duration, the platform, the interaction, and the expectations of your webinar. Ideally, you should have a rehearsal or a test run with the interpreter before the actual webinar to check the technical aspects and the quality of the interpretation.

3 Provide a clear and visible video feed

One of the most important factors for sign language interpretation is the video quality and visibility. You need to ensure that the interpreter's video feed is clear, stable, and well-lit, and that their face, hands, and body are fully visible. You also need to ensure that the interpreter's video feed is large enough and positioned well on the screen, so that your audience can easily see and follow the interpretation. You may need to adjust the settings of your webinar platform or use a separate window or screen for the interpreter's video feed. You should also avoid any distractions or interruptions that may affect the video quality or visibility, such as background noise, pop-ups, or notifications.

4 Monitor and support the interpreter during the webinar

Even with the best preparation and video quality, sign language interpretation is a challenging and demanding task that requires constant attention and concentration. You need to monitor and support the interpreter during the webinar to ensure that they are comfortable and performing well. You should also respect their professional boundaries and limitations, such as the need for breaks, pauses, or switches with another interpreter. You should also be prepared for any technical issues or glitches that may affect the interpretation, such as poor internet connection, audio feedback, or video lag. You should have a backup plan or a contingency plan in case of any problems.

5 Solicit and incorporate feedback from the audience

Finally, you need to solicit and incorporate feedback from your audience about the sign language interpretation. This will help you evaluate the effectiveness and satisfaction of the interpretation, as well as identify any areas for improvement or enhancement. You can ask your audience to rate, comment, or suggest on the interpretation through surveys, polls, or chat features. You can also ask the interpreter for their feedback and suggestions on how to improve your webinar accessibility and inclusivity. You should thank the interpreter and the audience for their participation and cooperation, and follow up with any actions or responses based on the feedback.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?