VRI Quick Start Guide: K-12
Here’s a draft quick reference page with tips, a checklist, key considerations, pitfalls, support protocols, and strategies for preparing schools, staff, and students for VRI services.
Effective and high-quality VRI services have:
- Solid streaming video: No lag, freeze, or pixelation, ie, Minecraft faces.
- The interpreter in full view: Face, hands, and arms— Interpreter’s face, hands, and arms must be visible, as well as the student’s.
- Clear and continuous sound feed: No muffled voices, robot noises, or pauses. Voices must come through without distortion.
- Trained staff: Teachers and support staff need to know how to set it up quickly and troubleshoot..
Equipment & Services to Explore
Hardware
- Laptops or tablets in good condition (loaner devices for students if needed).
- External USB cameras (better quality than built-ins).
- External microphones (lapel, tabletop, or omnidirectional, depending on classroom setup).
- Additional monitors/screens so students can view the interpreter and classroom visuals simultaneously.
- Portable Wi-Fi hotspots for areas with weak connections.
Software & Platforms
- Video platforms: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or Webex.
- Captioning add-ons or streaming services: Ai.Live, StreamText, or 1CapApp.
- Accessibility settings (pinning interpreter, side-by-side view, breakout room support).
Support Services
- IT staff trained to support VRI set-up and troubleshooting.
- Vendors/agencies that provide interpreters familiar with K–12 classrooms.
- On-site backup interpreters or notetakers for emergencies.
- Training sessions for teachers on how to use VRI in daily instruction.
Classroom Considerations
- VRI may not work well in interactive classes (labs, group work, projects).
- Students may struggle to keep up when switching between the interpreter on screen, the teacher, and the classroom materials.
- Extra screens or better positioning of devices may help.
How to Implement Successfully |
Cautions |
| Test before the first day: Teacher, interpreter, and tech staff should run a practice session. | ⚠ Don’t forget to train teachers on how to support it. |
| Log in early: Teacher, student, and interpreter connect 5–10 minutes before class starts. | ⚠ Don’t wait until class time to fix tech problems. |
| Have a backup plan: If VRI disconnects, use a notetaker, recording + transcript, or another accommodation. | ⚠ Don’t rely on VRI as the only long-term option. |
Is Your School Ready?
Use the resources below to help navigate using VRI services. If you want additional support, schedule a consultation with our team here.
- Website: Remote Interpreting Services
- K-12 VRI Planning Guide - make a copy or download this printable guide
- Remote Services Decision-Making Tool
- Student Evaluation Template
Want to take a deeper dive? Register for the one-hour self-paced module: Introduction to Remote Services