Chapter 14 – Interpreting Services

Overview

Sign language interpreting services may be requested for UTA classes, class-related activities, and events or activities open to students.

The SAR Center provides qualified interpreters per the state of Texas regulations. Interpreters working for the SAR Center must also abide by the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct.

Student Responsibilities

• Request accommodations through the SAR Student Portal according to the timeline in Chapter 7 of the SAR Center Student Handbook.

1. Cancel or modify requests for accommodations through the SAR Student Portal if withdrawing from a course or if services are not needed.

2. Email the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Coordinator or the SAR Center at sarcenter@uta.edu.

a. When absent from class(es)

b. If the faculty cancels class on a particular day.

c. If there is a classroom change. If the SAR Center and the interpreter(s) are not informed, the interpreters will go to the original location, and the student will not have communication access for that class.

3. Ask a classmate for a copy of the notes if you do not attend class.

• The interpreter(s) will wait up to 20 minutes outside the classroom if a student is late to class. After 20 minutes, the interpreter(s) will leave.

Timeline for Interpreting Requests

A minimum of 72 hours (three business days) advance notice is requested; one-week advance notice is preferred. Please do not make requests directly to interpreters. Before accepting assignments, interpreters must have prior approval from the SAR Center.

Academic or Class-Related Program Requests

Please check the class syllabus for information concerning field trips, extra credit opportunities, study abroad programs, and other activities that will require accommodations outside the classroom or regular class hours.

Requests for accommodations should be made through the custom request form in the Communication Access section which can be accessed through the SAR Student Portal.

Class-related special events may also include the following:

1. Faculty assigned out of class activities

a. Attending a theatrical production

b. Attending a guest lecture

2. Attending a theatrical production

3. Attending a guest lecture

4. SI Tables

5. Student resource fairs

6. Faculty scheduled review sessions before an exam

7. Meeting outside of class to complete a group project

Non-Class-Related Interpreting Requests

Interpreters can be requested for non-class-related events by completing the custom request form in the Communication Access section which can be accessed through the SAR Student Portal.

Non-class related interpreting requests include the following:

1. Meeting with faculty during office hours

2. Meeting with academic advisors

3. Meeting with a CAPS therapist or counselor

4. Participating in student clubs or organizations (e.g., ASL Club)

5. Residence hall floor meetings

UTA-Sponsored Events

If you would like to attend an UTA-sponsored event, and it is not a course-related assignment, look on the flyer or marketing materials for the name and contact information of the sponsor to whom requests for accommodations can be made.

If you do not see this information, please contact the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Coordinator or sarcenter@uta.edu.

Examples of these events are as follows:

1. A guest lecture

2. A webinar or workshop

• An artistic, theatrical, or musical event

Working with Interpreters

1. Please see the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct for information regarding the role of an interpreter.

2. The student and the interpreter(s) should agree on technical or specialized sign vocabulary. If there are specific sign or style preferences, the student should communicate them to the interpreter(s).

3. If the student is scheduled to do a class presentation, provide a copy of the presentation notes to the interpreter(s). The student will also need to schedule time to meet with the interpreter(s) in advance to rehearse or go over the presentation.

4. Request clarification from the faculty, not the interpreter(s), regarding course content.

5. Do not expect the interpreter(s) to be available to interpret additional questions or comments after the class ends.

6. The student should discuss concerns related to the interpreter or interpreting process directly with the interpreter. If the issue remains unresolved, the student should make an appointment with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Coordinator by emailing them at sarcenter@uta.edu or calling 817-272-3364.