Western State College of Colorado

DISABILITY SERVICES HANDBOOK 2008 - 2009

Accommodation Procedures: Interpreter Services

Enrolled students who are deaf or hard of hearing and who are in need of sign-language interpreter services receive this accommodation for classes, academic meetings and appointments, and College-sponsored activities and programs.

Students should follow the steps below to arrange interpreter services.

• Interpreter services must be requested through Disability Services. Early notification is necessary in order to best ensure provision of this service. Students new to Western should request services as soon as the student is admitted to Western. Students must provide appropriate documentation to receive services.

• Continuing students should make arrangements for interpreter services early in the course registration period for the upcoming semester. In order to do this, the student should notify DS so a priority registration time can be assigned to the student.

• Academic interpreting will be provided for scheduled classes and class events as scheduled in class syllabi. All other requests for interpreter services should be made in advance through the DS office and will be filled on a priority basis; student need and interpreter availability will be considered.

What happens in the event of student tardiness and absences?

• The interpreter will wait ten minutes for every hour of all scheduled events. If the student requesting services is not in attendance at the end of this waiting period, the interpreter may leave.

• Students who have advance notification of class absences should notify the interpreter at least 24 hours before the planned absence. In the case of an emergency or illness, the student should notify the interpreter or DS as soon as possible so adjustments in the interpreter's schedule can be made as needed.

• In the case of student absence without notification, the interpreter will wait the required time during the first two classes or events scheduled that day. If the student has not notified the interpreter or DS after this time and does not attend the second scheduled class or event for the day, it is assumed that all services requested for that day have been cancelled.

• Three consecutive absences from the same class without advance notification to the DS office is cause for temporary discontinuation of interpreter services for that class. The student will be notified of the discontinuation of service prior to terminating the service. The student must meet with the DS staff to arrange reinstatement of services.

What can the student expect from the interpreter?

• Interpreters are expected to act in a professional manner according to the R.I.D. Code of Ethics.

• Interpreters may be evaluated for the adequacy of their ability to interpret college-level course content by another qualified interpreter or by the student requesting the service.

• An interpreter's function is to facilitate communication; the interpreter is not available to act as a notetaker or messenger. Students should contact the DS office if they have questions regarding the role of the interpreter.

Notes to faculty and staff:

Information to assist you in working effectively with students who are deaf or hard of hearing may be obtained from the DS office or the interpreter assigned to your class.

If you have questions regarding interpreter services, please contact the interpreter or the DS office.

Links to Accommodation Procedures:

• Alternative Formats of Text
• Alternative Testing
• Course Substitution
• Interpreter Services
• Notetaking Services
• Priority Registration
• Service Animals

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