Request for services:

The student must complete a Service Request Form (SRF) each semester to request services (e.g. interpreter, instructor notification, notetaking assistance, alternative testing).

• When multiple accommodation options exist, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist and/or Coordinator will determine the most reasonable appropriate accommodation.  Individual preference will be considered.  “Equally effective” needs to be met as the criterion in the decision making process.
• Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing are eligible for priority enrollment due to scheduling of interpreter(s).
• SDS will respond to requests when made HOWEVER, to help ensure timely provision of appropriate accommodations early notification is essential.  Students are expected to make interpreter request immediately after enrollment (i.e. during priority enrollment).

Letter to Instructors:

• The office provides instructors information regarding working with an interpreter; however, student(s) need to identify themselves to the instructor(s) to discuss the use of an interpreter and the student’s individual accommodations.
• Other accommodations are also identified within this letter.  Without this letter identifying accommodations, there is no instructor obligation to provide any accommodation.
• If additional accommodations are needed, make an appointment with SDS to review/revise the letter to the instructor.

If you need additional interpreting services:

• All classroom related interpreting assignments are scheduled by SDS.  Do not make independent arrangements with the interpreter unless you plan to pay for the services.  Interpreters are to refer students to SDS regarding requests. 
• It is the student’s responsibility to request interpreting services in advance (at least 48 hours prior, if possible) e.g. conference time with instructors, tutoring, class-related assignments, test reviews.  SDS will make every effort to fulfill requests; however, there is no guarantee if late notice is given.
• Information needed:

• date of event
• event time (beginning and estimated ending)
• event/situation (e.g. conference, tutoring) location
• contact person, if available (for any clarification, additional information).

• For co-curricular events on campus (plays, lectures, club meetings, etc.), contact the sponsoring organization to request an interpreter. You may also inform SDS as we are a resource for campus departments and organizations in meeting accommodation needs.

In the classroom:

• Arrive early the first day of class in order to introduce yourself to the interpreter and position yourself for the best view of interpreter, instructor, and any visual information displayed.
• Make an appointment to see the instructor if the subject matter is unclear.
• Direct questions to instructor(s) or appropriate staff.  The interpreter is not a tutor or an aide.
• Be accountable for one’s own learning. Know the class vocabulary and material. Like hearing students, deaf students are responsible for their attention in class and the information presented.  The interpreter cannot be responsible for retaining or repeating information the student missed.
• Do not initiate private conversations with the interpreter during class time.  The interpreter is there to facilitate communication and will voice/interpret everything that is signed/spoken.
• The role of the interpreter is to facilitate communication, and, therefore, will not get the attention of the instructor for you.  When you want to participate in class discussion or ask a question, raise your hand or call the instructor’s name.
• The interpreter may be several words to two sentences behind the speaker.  This delay is to ensure that the interpreter is understanding and conveying concepts appropriately and accurately.  Therefore, do not be alarmed if the interpreter is still signing after the instructor has finished speaking.
• Inform the SDS office of any changes in scheduled class(es) or meeting(s), e.g. cancelled class, dropped course, location change, field trip.

Interpreter Evaluations:

• Interpreters will be evaluated in the classroom setting from time to time. SDS specialist will be in the class to observe the interpreter as they work.
• Interpreters may also be video taped in order for them to work on goals in improving their skills.

No Show to classes:

• Inform SDS of any planned absences at least 48 hours in advance.  If you are sick, email, text, or TTY SDS as soon as you know you are going to miss classes.  No notice will be counted as a “miss.”
• ANY three unreported misses per class WILL result in suspension of services for that particular class until the student meets with the SDS.  An additional “miss” for that class will result in a re-evaluation of the need for interpreting services for that particular class.
• If you are absent in your first class but plan on attending the other classes, notify SDS immediately. If not, the interpreter will not proceed to any later classes for that day.  We will assume you are gone for the day.
• If the interpreter is late to class contact the SDS office immediately to arrange for a substitute interpreter or alternative accommodations.
• Be on time.  The interpreters are required to wait for students 15 minutes for classes less than or equal to 90 minutes, 30 minutes for classes that are longer than 90 minutes, then they report to the SDS office for reassignment.

Problems with interpreter:

• The university is committed to hiring effective, qualified interpreters and makes assignments based on those qualifications.  If you are having difficulty understanding the instructor:

• Check yourself first.  Have you done your home work and studied all the material you were supposed to study?  You must be prepared for each class.
• Raise your hand and ask questions when necessary. There are probably other students who did not understand either and they will be glad you asked.
• Discuss what you see as a problem with the interpreter after class. If you determine the interpreter is not transmitting information clearly, try to determine specifically what the problem is (sloppy finger spelling, ASL vs. SEE vs. CASE, too slow, struggling with the material, not objective regarding material, distracting attire, etc.). Oftentimes the interpreter can make necessary adjustments and resolve the problem.

• Discuss any difficulties that arise with the interpreter(s).
• If conflicts cannot be resolved directly, arrange to meet with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist as soon as possible.  In cases where the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist is involved as an interpreter, the Coordinator will address the issue(s).

How to contact SDS:

• Feel free to contact SDS for ANY issue or to give feedback, whether in or out of the classroom.  SDS coordinates with all departments and organizations in meeting the accommodation needs.
• Remember to contact us if you are going to be late to a class or miss a class.
• Office hours:     
  

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TTY, voice, or VRS:  405-744-7116

• Email (to all): 

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• Text to Sandie: 918-638-9643. 
  

I may not text back but will inform the appropriate interpreter of the situation as needed.

                                                                                                            -Revised 11/06