Videoconferencing

Pine Tree Legal Assistance - 030031

Abstract Number: 030031

February 2003

Pine Tree Legal Assistance (PTLA) established a partnership with Maine Telemedicine Services (MTS) which helped to establish the PTLA teleconferencing network. PTLA has seven offices, all of which host videoconference facilities. The partnership with MTS provides PTLA with access to MTS videoconferencing sites from MTS' network that encompasses over 100 locations. MTS' videoconferencing sites are located in hospitals, community health centers, state agencies, and mental health facilities throughout the state, many located in rural areas where PTLA has no office or regular presence. Clients will be able access these videoconferencing facilities through PTLA's intake system where it is determined whether or not a client needs extended services. If it is necessary to have face to face contact, clients can consult with Pine Tree staff anywhere in the state through the videoconferencing system.

PTLA uses Polycom videoconferencing equipment that supports the minimum requirements for communicating via videoconferencing with American Sign Language. In addition, through its partnership with MTS, PTLA receives the same highly beneficial rate for the ISDN telephone service as is received by the rural health community through MTA. PTLA's partnership with MTS significantly expands PTLA's ability to serve clients in rural areas through videoconferencing service delivery.

While PTLA installed videoconferencing equipment for client use, PTLA management and staff also use videoconferencing capabilities to further integrate communication between offices and provide program support to staff. While one attorney offices in remote locations may present supervision and logistical challenges, PTLA has found that videoconferencing capabilities allow for a greater degree of supervision and communication, thus making one-attorney offices more viable and beneficial. PTLA currently maintains two one-attorney offices and videoconferencing equipment is regularly used to hold meetings between offices and conduct trainings.

Contact Information:

Hugh Calkins
Pine Tree Legal Assistance
88 Federal Street
P.O. Box 547
Portland, Maine 04112
Phone: (207) 774-4753
Fax: (207) 828-2300
Email

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