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What are communication access accommodations?

Communication access accommodations are intended to provide access for students whose disabilities impact communication, particularly Deaf/Hard of Hearing students and those with Auditory Processing Disorder. These accommodations are determined based on individual needs, including students’ preferences and history of accommodation. Access advisors consult with the Speech and Hearing Clinic to interpret audiograms and better understand the appropriate devices and services to accommodate students.

Students using communication access accommodations should request their course accommodation letters as soon as possible each semester to allow adequate time for scheduling service providers and coordinating accommodations. SAS may provide technology for students at no cost. This equipment should be returned to SAS at the end of each academic year for maintenance. Units not returned or damaged could result in a charge to the student. 

ASL Interpreters

This accommodation is appropriate for Deaf/Hard of Hearing students whose primary language is American Sign Language. SAS will coordinate ASL interpreters for students for academically required activities, such as classes, internships, and other experiential learning associated with a course or program of study. SAS may utilize contract interpreters hired through an external agency to meet staffing needs. Where possible, SAS will utilize in-person ASL interpreters for academic settings. Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services may be used for individual appointments, non-classroom settings, and as an occasional substitute for in-person interpreters as needed.

Student responsibilities:

• Academic Interpreting Needs: Students should request their course accommodation letters as soon as possible to allow adequate time for scheduling. Students should communicate directly with the interpreter or interpreter coordinator if there are changes in their schedule. Students who miss class more than three times a semester without notifying SAS or their interpreter may need to meet with SAS to continue receiving services. When appropriate, students who utilize interpreters for exams should include that request in their exam appointment. 
• Non-classroom Interpreting Needs: It is the student’s responsibility to alert SAS of the need for an interpreter for academic or career advising, financial aid appointments, and other types of student appointments at least 48 hours prior to the appointment. 
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing students who need interpreting services for student organization activities, University programs and events, or other non-academic settings should work with the event organizer to coordinate an interpreter.  

Real-time Transcribing

This accommodation is appropriate for Deaf/Hard of Hearing students who do not rely on ASL. SAS will coordinate real-time transcribing accommodations for academically required activities, such as classes, internships, and other experiential learning associated with a course or program of study. SAS may utilize remote transcribers as needed. Transcribers will provide students with an edited copy of the transcript within two business days of each class period. If needed, a Bluetooth microphone is provided by SAS at no cost to the student and should be returned to SAS at the end of each academic year for maintenance. 

Student responsibilities:

• Students should request their course accommodation letters as soon as possible to allow adequate time for scheduling. Students should communicate directly with the captioning coordinator if there are changes in their schedule or if a transcriber is needed outside of the scheduled class time. Students who miss class more than three times a semester without notifying SAS or their transcriber may need to meet with SAS to continue receiving services. 
• Students may be expected to manage their own technology, including bringing a laptop and microphone to class and logging into a virtual meeting to facilitate remote transcribing. Concerns about technology management should be discussed with the Captioning Coordinator prior to the start of the semester. 

Closed Captioned Videos

This accommodation provides captions to videos used for instruction. SAS will coordinate this accommodation by working with instructors to identify videos and provide captioned versions prior to the video being shown in class or posted online.  

FM Units

This accommodation provides students with an FM unit to amplify sound directly into an earpiece worn by the student. Students with this accommodation can work with the Speech and Hearing Clinic to be evaluated and fitted for an appropriate device. The unit is provided by SAS at no cost to the student and should be returned to SAS at the end of each academic year for maintenance.  

Contact your Access Advisor with questions or concerns.