Improving Services for the Disabled – Rauch, Inc. Interpreting Service

With the help of a grant from the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana,  Rauch, Inc. Interpreting Services launched an innovative new service model this past year. For many years, Rauch has been one of only two American Sign Language interpreting agencies in the Louisville Metro area.

Now, in addition to on-site interpreting, Rauch has implemented equipment to expand its capabilities to include Video Remote Interpreting, or VRI, to give Rauch flexibility in service provision to meet the needs of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in the most efficient and appropriate manner possible, while providing appropriate local options to the business community. Southern Indiana hospitals are using VRI when patients who are deaf enter the emergency room. Hospitals use this service to obtain emergency registration and provide prompt services until an on-site interpreter is able to arrive.

Rauch was also selected as a subcontractor for the State of Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation interpreting contract. Each subcontractor must have VRI capabilities as a method of providing cost savings to the state. The equipment and training purchased with the help of a grant from CFSI will enable better services to individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing in their pursuit and success in gainful employment.