Multi-Media Response Relay Service, also known as the MMR service, provides video relay interpreting services for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. There are two types of services:
- Video Relay Service—uses a video interpreter to allow a Deaf person using Auslan to communicate with a hearing person over the phone
- Video Relay Interpreting—provides interpreting services for a Deaf and a hearing person in the same room by using an interpreter via a video link.
There is currently no charge for the Video Relay Service between Monday and Friday. There is a charge for the Video Interpreting Service.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
The Video Relay Service and Video Interpreting Service can be useful in the workplace for:
- people who use Auslan as their primary language
- people who rely on lip reading to communicate
- people who have difficulty writing on a computer
- people who have difficulty expressing themselves
- people who are unable to access the workplace and need to work remotely.
These services may be beneficial for people in the workplace who are required to participate in:
- staff meetings
- performance appraisals
- training
- client contact
- remote work
References
Australian Communication Exchange 2009, ACE Video Relay Service, Australian Communication Exchange Limited, Brisbane, viewed 7 May 2010, http://www.aceinfo.net.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=11.
Disability Services 2010, Video Relay Interpreting Service, State Government of Victoria: Department of Human Services, Melbourne, viewed 7 May 2010, http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/improving_supports/cultural_and_linguistic_diversity/auslan-video-relay-interpreting-service/video-relay-interpreting-vri-service.
Sign Language Communications NSW 2010, Video Remote Interpreting, The Deaf Society of NSW, Sydney, viewed 7 May 2010, http://www.deafsocietynsw.org.au/interpreting/vri.html.