Sign Language Interpreters

Student Agreement for Use of Sign Language Interpreter Accommodations

Qualified Interpreters will be scheduled for qualifying students upon request. Students should request services a minimum of two to four weeks before the start of each term to allow the Disability Resources staff time to locate an appropriate interpreter. The Disability Resources office will make every effort to locate sign language interpreters for qualified deaf students.

How to Request This Service

In-Class Needs

Students are encouraged to participate in Advance Registration or Early Advising when eligible, so your need for interpreters is known well in advance. Request your accommodations as soon as possible after you've registered for classes. Interpreters will be scheduled to start as soon as possible, but late requests for interpreters may mean that no assistance is available for one-to-two weeks. Request accommodations following the Step-by-Step, Term-by-Term handout.

Lecture Classes

An interpreter will be in class full-time. If you're taking a test during class, the interpreter may not stay the entire class period, but may if requested to do so. The interpreter should ask both you and the instructor if there will be any further need for services before leaving.

Lab Classes

An interpreter will be in class full-time as needed (group projects, in-class assignments, etc.)

Special Needs

(For meetings or special activities) - If you need an interpreter for a meeting or special activity, you must request at least 2 days before you need the interpreter. You may contact the D.R. office to make a request either by voicemail, TTY message, e-mail or fax. Be sure to include the purpose of the need (meeting with instructor, etc.), the date and time needed, and location where the interpreter should meet you.

Late to Class

Your interpreter will wait for you 10 minutes per hour of class (90 minute class=15 minute wait, 3 hour class=30 minute wait, etc.) After that time, the interpreter will leave. If you don't call in, this will be counted as a No-Show.

Last Minute Absences

(For illness) - Students should contact the D.R. office as early as possible (preferably before 7:00 a.m.) to cancel their interpreter services for the day. Messages can be left at any time by phone, TTY, e-mail or fax (see contact information below).

Absences

If you know you will miss a class (ex. doctor appointment, etc.), you must inform the D.R. office at least 48 hours in advance of the absence, so that we may cancel or reschedule your interpreter for the day. When canceling services, the following information must be provided:

• Your name

• Names of the classes that will be missed (WR121, MTH60, etc.)

• Time, day and date of the classes that will be missed (ex. 8-8:50 a.m. Monday, September 27)

• Date the you will return to classes

• Why you won't be in class (VR appointment, Dr. appointment, etc.)

Notifying only the interpreter is not sufficient. D.R. must be made aware of the cancellation.

Service Abuse

Service abuse occurs when a student repeatedly calls-in "sick" at the last minute (after 7:00 a.m.), resulting in excessive (two or more) interpreter cancellations. Students who abuse their accommodations in this manner will have their interpreter accommodations suspended as if they hadn't shown-up for classes at all (see No-Shows, below). Each time this happens, interpreter accommodations will be suspended pending a meeting with the Interpreter Coordinator. Services may become dependent on a daily phone call confirming your need for accommodations.

No-Shows

No-Shows occur when an interpreter is scheduled to provide in-class services for a student who does not attend class, and has not called-in. Interpreters are asked to return to the D.R. office and report the student's absence to the Interpreter Coordinator. One "grace" no-show is permitted each term. Every future no-show will result in a suspension of interpreter accommodations for the missed classes, and will require a meeting with the Interpreter Coordinator, Cathie Reschke, before services will be re-started. During this meeting, we will discuss what has happened that caused you to miss class. The outcome of this meeting will determine if your services will be suspended or conditional. If your services are conditional, you may be asked to call in each morning to confirm your need for an interpreter.

Responsibilities

Occasionally, difficulties occur because an interpreter is unable to meet the needs of those for whom he or she is working. If a problem arises, the student should share her concerns with the interpreter. There may be a misunderstanding and a simple solution. If the problem cannot be solved through direct communication with the interpreter, the student should contact D.R. immediately. D.R. is committed to solving any problems that may arise.

Other Tips for Working with an Interpreter in Class

The interpreter may sit near you during class, if necessary. Please try to sit in a location that is convenient for both of you.

• If you have a question for the instructor about the course (lecture content, reading assignments, homework assignments or other course-related concerns), please raise your hand and ask the instructor directly. The interpreter will speak for you if requested.

• If you have any problems working with your interpreter, please contact Disability Resources to discuss this with one of our staff as soon as possible.

• If you have a disability-related concern about your classes or an instructor, contact Disability Resources as soon as possible.

It is your responsibility to inform D.R. if there is any change to your schedule, especially room changes. Failure to do so could result in an absent interpreter.

Messages can be left at any time, day or night at:
Voice: (541) 463-5150
TTY : 711
Fax: (541) 463-4739
E-Mail: DisabilityResources@lanecc.edu

I have read the above document and agree to follow the guidelines that delineate my responsibilities as a student receiving support services from the Disability Resources office at Lane Community College.