Rauch Companies, L.L.C. P.O. Box 783 Millburn, NJ 07041

Tel 973-921-0800 Fax 973-921-0800 http://www.rauchcom.com Email: info@rauchcom.com

Issue:

How to deliver quality English/Spanish simultaneous interpreting to geographically remote areas using state certified contract interpreters.

Program:

The Idaho Supreme Court issued an Equal Access Grant to fund a telephonic interpreting program in multiple counties throughout Idaho. Based on the limited number of State certified Interpreters in Idaho, the large distances between courthouses and inclement winter weather, telephonic interpreting was deemed an attractive technology for the court system. The telephonic interpreting equipment permits skilled interpreters to interpret in-court and out-of-court proceedings from their place of business - outside of the courtroom.

The Office of the State Courts Administrator contracted with Rauch Companies, L.L.C., to provide the telephonic equipment and systems. A contract interpreter, JMC Bilingual, based in Rexburg, ID, received a VoxOlom Interpreter's Console and a Travel Kit. With the console, the interpreter can quickly change-over from an in-court appearance, to a remote appearance in a different courthouse, without having to quickly drive there. Courtrooms in Arco, St. Anthony, Driggs and American Falls received Courtroom Conference Systems. Installation of the systems was in mid August, 1999, interpreter and staff training followed, and interpreting began in September, 1999.

The VoxOlom Interpreter's Console provides the State with the latest telephone interpreting technology for conducting remote interpreting sessions using State Certified interpreters. The VoxOlom Interpreter's Console connects to two telephones, permitting an interpreter to monitor both English and non-English languages. The interpreter then simultaneously or consecutively interprets for the person requiring interpretation. The VoxOlom Interpreter's Console is a compact, desktop device with features deemed important to an interpreter, such as volume controls for incoming and outgoing audio, broadcast select switch, sidetone reduction, Talk-Thru, and a comfortable headset.

The VoxOlom Courtroom Conference System provides the State with an easy to use interpreting system within a courtroom. The system consists of a strategically placed podium containing a conference phone for picking up audio to the interpreter, and for broadcasting English to the courtroom; a cordless telephone and headset for the non-English speaking participant; and a telephone for private attorney/client conferences.

For more information on the systems, technology and Idaho's program, please call us at (973) 921-0800, or call the State Court of Idaho's Trial Court Administrator's Office at (208) 529-1350, ext.1341.