How to Schedule a Visit at Wabash Valley: Why ViaPath Uses Eastern Time (and what you should do)

ViaPath schedules all visits in Eastern Time - even when the facility sits in a Central Time zone. This trips people up constantly. You pick a slot that matches your loved one's facility schedule, but the time displayed is still Eastern. So while the dates and times reflect when visits actually happen at the facility, you'll need to convert the clock time if you're not in the Eastern zone.

The biggest risk? Showing up (or signing in) at the wrong time. Read a ViaPath time as local when it's actually Eastern, and you could be off by an hour - enough to miss the visit entirely. Facilities limit how many visitors someone can have and how long visits last. When the schedule is tight, there's no making it up later.

ViaPath shows available dates and times for your loved one's facility - use those when choosing a slot. Just remember: the platform runs on Eastern Time. Don't assume the displayed time matches wherever you're standing.

1. Find your scheduled time on ViaPath - Choose from the available dates and times listed for your loved one’s facility, then write down the exact time shown.
2. Assume the time shown is Eastern - ViaPath scheduling is done in Eastern Time, even when the facility is in a Central Time area.

1. Convert the ViaPath time to the time zone you’ll be using - Translate the Eastern Time shown on ViaPath into your local time (and/or the facility’s local time, if different).
2. Plan travel and reminders around the converted time - Build in buffer so you’re not rushing if traffic, parking, or check-in takes longer than expected.

• ✓ Set a phone alarm for the converted local time (and a second reminder 30–60 minutes before).
• ✓ If it’s an at-home video visit, sign in to the scheduling site 15 minutes early, test your connection, and follow the steps to start the visit.
• ✓ If it’s an on-site video visit, arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes before check-in.

• ✓ Make sure every visitor has a ViaPath account.
• ✓ Don’t schedule (or expect to visit) until you’ve been approved - approval is required for both in-person and online visits.

• ✓ For on-site video visits, bring a valid photo ID for check-in.

Not sure what time your visit actually is? Use a time-zone converter. Plug in the visit time exactly as ViaPath shows it (Eastern Time), then use the converted result to plan when you'll leave, sign in, and arrive.

There's also a low-tech backup. Facilities are required to give incarcerated individuals written visitation information within 24 hours of arrival. If your loved one has that paperwork, it can confirm what the facility expects and how visits work.

Quick Troubleshoot

• ✓ At-home video: sign in 15 minutes early, test your connection, and follow the prompts to start.
• ✓ On-site video: arrive at least 15 minutes before check-in.
• ✓ Bring a valid photo ID for on-site check-in.

Can't schedule on ViaPath, or your visit isn't showing up right? Check your status first. Every visitor needs a registered and approved ViaPath account before booking in-person or online visits.