The Problem

Responsibility to provide sign language interpreters lies with the host in scenarios like the NHS. This is not always well known
Organisations with a passion for inclusion often want to arrange interpreters but don't know how to do it
They are unsure who provides the service
There is no central booking system to locate interpreters theclosest is a Twitter bot
The VRS platforms are unfamiliar
Sometimes it's a last minute process
There aren't enough interpreters the ratio of interpreters to deaf sign language users is 1:75 in the UK so it's tough at the best of times
Finding an interpreter even with two weeks' notice can be impossible

Maximising interpreter availability is key interoperability between VRS providers would help
Building and customising bespoke video relay services (VRS) platforms can be costly and time consuming
The platform build cost is cash that might be better spent elsewhere like training more terps

VRS companies sign up to the platform in under ten minutes, providing simple details
Organisations select who their framework agreement for VRS is with
The host organisation simply types 'request interpreter' into theSignMe bot which will do the rest
Deaf users get to choose the on call interpreter
Or they can do a future booking
All this happens in seconds
The VRS provider receives a log of calls

SignMe