Hall County Deputy Chad Mann said Sorenson ntouch VP video visitation technology simulates a conversation between two hearing people, but uses a translator to communicate messages from the impaired inmate to visitors and vice-versa.
"What it allows the inmate to do is continue with the visitation on a normal basis in a booth just like everyone else, the only difference being they have a translator in between," said Mann.
The translator typically relays messages back to the inmate via video with sign language.
Mann said right now only one inmate at the Hall County facility is using the equipment. He also pointed out that it is the constitutional right of every inmate to have visitation, and if an inmate is impaired, then accommodations need to be made for that inmate.
"It could be another kind of handicap or disability," said Mann. "What we want to do is ensure that their constitutional rights are being upheld in every way."
Mann said that no local taxpayer dollars were used for the new equipment; it was funded by the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services Fund and administered by the Federal Communications Commission.
Mann said the one inmate who has used the video relay system has been very pleased with it.
"It's allowed him to open up a little bit. [He's]actually been able to sit there and communicate with his family on the other end of the phone, [some] who may be out of state."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/4/260690