Remote interpreting

Remote interpreting means interpreting where the client and the interpreter are not in the same place physically and the interpreting is done over a remote connection. You can use the remote interpreting service with a smartphone, computer or tablet. If you do not have a suitable device, you can borrow one from Kela. How to apply for a borrowed device.

Remote interpreting works in most situations, such as handling official matters, work-related situations and studies.

You can also use the remote interpreting service of the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled for short interpreting sessions. More information about the remote interpreting service.

How to book remote interpreting

• Tell us that you want to book a remote interpreting session when you book an interpreter. How to book an interpreter.
• Tell us what software you want to use when you make your booking.
• If you already have a remote connection link, please add it to your booking.
• If you do not have a remote connection link yet, please tell us where the interpreter can get it later.

Use the online form to book a remote interpreting session (in Finnish and Swedish)

Book a remote interpreting session through other means

How to prepare for a remote interpreting session

Make sure that

• you are in a calm and well-lit place
• your device’s camera and sound are working
• you know how to use the device and software.

Read the recommendations for remote interpreting (in Finnish, diak.fi). The recommendations include information on remote interpreting and good practices for remote interpreting.

Help with how to use remote interpreting software

If you need help with using remote interpreting software, you can contact the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled to ask for a help session. Tell the Centre what software you need help with when you book a help session.

During the help session, an interpreter will

• come to your home or another place that you request
• teach you how to use the software
• tell you about good remote interpreting practices.

The help session will last for one hour, and it will be deducted from your interpreting hours. Read more about how many hours of interpreter services you can get. 

Contact the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled to book a help session

Borrowing a device from Kela

Kela can lend a device to you if

• you have the right to use the interpreter services for persons with disabilities
• remote interpreting is the right choice for your situation and you agree to use remote interpreting
• you do not have a device that you can use for remote interpreting.

Kela will give you a personal remote interpreting ID together with the borrowed device. The ID is for the remote service offered by the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled. Use the ID every time you use the remote service. You do not need to use the ID during other interpreting sessions.

The device Kela lends to you comes with a network connection. You must use both the device and the connection for remote interpretation only. You can use Kela’s device to access both the remote service offered by the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled and other remote interpreting services offered by other service providers.

Kela will monitor your use of the device to check if you use it enough. You must use the device at least 12 times over a period of 4 months. If you do not use the device often enough or if you use it for some other purpose than remote interpreting, Kela will ask you to return the device to Kela.

You can use the borrowed device and its network connection even when you travel outside Finland. If you want to use the borrowed device in a country that is outside the EU or EEA, tell the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled about it before your trip. If you do not do this, your right to use the device may be terminated. If that happens, you will have to return the device to Kela. Kela may also charge you for the costs of using the device abroad.

How to apply for a borrowed device

1. Fill in the form Vammaisen henkilön etätulkkauslaite TU 4 (PDF, in Finnish).

   • Save the blank form to your device. Do not fill in the form directly in the browser because some of the information may not be saved that way.
   • Open the form with Adobe Reader and fill it in.
   • Save the completed application to your device. Note that the application must be in PDF format.
2. Send your application in the OmaKela e-service (available in Finnish and Swedish):

   • Log in to OmaKela and select Tee hakemus (Submit an application).
   • Select Vammaisten tulkkauspalvelu (Interpreter services for persons with disabilities) and choose the benefit you are applying for.
   • If you submit your application in OmaKela, you do not need to sign it.
   • If you have supporting documents, send them via OmaKela after you have submitted your application. If they are paper documents, you can photograph them. You need to submit this supporting document:
     • asiantuntijalausuntolomake TU 7 (PDF, in Finnish).
3. Visit OmaKela to see if Kela has made a decision on your application. 

If you cannot use OmaKela, mail your application to Kela. Save the form to your device and fill it in after saving it. Print out the completed form and send it and any supporting documents to Kela, PL 10, 00056 KELA.

Kela will send you the device in the mail. The device can be, for example, a tablet with a camera, speakers and a microphone. You will also get a wireless 4G connection.

The device comes with instructions on how to use it. You can also ask for help with using the remote interpreting software if necessary. Return the device to Kela if you no longer need it or if your right to use it is terminated. Contact the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled to get instructions on how to return your device.

What to do if your borrowed device malfunctions or if it goes missing or is stolen?

Contact Kela’s technical customer support by email at tekninentuki@kela.fi.