Technology and regional social structures: Evaluation of remote sign language interpretation in Finland

Abstract

During the years 2001-2004 STAKES implemented a national development project VETURI - networking interpreter services -. Its objective was to improve the preconditions for the availability and quality of interpreter services. The starting point for this development work was to provide a service with a sufficiently large population base, in the form of regionally co-ordinated network co-operation of a variety of stakeholders. A part of the service in the project was given as remote videophone service. Remote interpreting made an interpreter's work easier because she did not need to travel and was able to work from a familiar work location. New ways to produce services enabled the growth of remote interpretation service. Larger population base and service resources made it possible to bring service also there where it has not been earlier. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.