• DSS will provide and pay interpreters for all academic settings directly related to a class (i.e., class time, class assignments, and an instructor generated review session, but not a peer study group). Talk with your DSS coordinator for clarification.



• DSS will assist in obtaining interpreters for other nonacademic activities. However, payment for services is the responsibility of the department or organization offering the activity.



• Let us know where and when your classes meet and then choose a topic for discussion from the list below (or if you would like, we can choose one for you).

• Students must meet each semester with the DSS coordinator or DSS staff.



• Students must give schedule of classes and any necessary class information to the DSS office at the earliest time possible.



• Students must call the DSS office to request any non-regular interpreting assignments at the earliest time possible. Non-regular includes review sessions, movies, supplemental instruction, etc.

Keep in mind that academic standards should not be compromised. All students must meet the required level of understanding and performance competencies for the course. You may need to modify the evaluation or testing method but content should not be changed

A student with a disability is being given no favor by "watering down" the course objectives for him or her. In fact, that would be a definite disservice. For example, an instructor who waives an exam or allows a student to "take home" a regular exam may be providing an inappropriate accommodation because he or she feels sorry for the student. Not only does this give a student with a disability an unfair advantage, it also prevents the student from making necessary educational choices based on true assessment of performance.

If, despite reasonably developed accommodations, the student does not pass the exam, remember that he or she, just like any other student, may not have mastered the course material. Students with disabilities have the same right as other students to fail as part of their educational experience.

Interpreter

If a student has an issue with an interpreter, the student should first give the interpreter a chance to resolve the problem or improve the situation. If the situation persists or the student feels uncomfortable approaching the interpreter, the student should contact the DSS office for assistance. Open and direct communication between the interpreter and the student helps resolve most situations. Given the opportunity, most interpreters are willing to accommodate reasonable requests.

Other

If a problem with a notetaker, professor or any other classroom related issue arises, first attempt to resolve the matter with the use of an interpreter. If continued attempts at addressing the situation are unsuccessful, then seek the advice and assistance of your DSS coordinator.

Student

• Introduce yourself to the interpreter and discuss your communication needs.



• Inform or leave a message with DSS (at least 24 hours in advance) when you will not be attending class, or when the class is canceled (i.e. walks). It would be a courtesy to inform the interpreters as well.



• Inform the DSS coordinator of adds, drops, room changes and course changes.



• Inform the interpreter if the class will be moved to another room.



• Inform the interpreter if there is a problem related to interpreting.



• Arrange for notetakers or other classroom needs with the DSScoordinator.



• Schedule meetings with professors as needed.

Interpreter

• Attend every class.



• Wait 15 minutes before leaving if the student is not present.



• Interpret whatever is spoken or signed in class.



• Request a substitute if unable to attend class.



• Report student no-shows to the DSS coordinator

Student

• Students who accrue three no-shows per class during a semester will have services suspended for that class until the student meets with the DSS coordinator and requests reinstatement of services. Students should contact the DSS coordinator if they have questions or concerns about their accommodations.



• All student absences and no-shows must be reported to the DSS office by the student.



• A no-show is defined as any time the student misses an appointment or a class and does not inform the DSS office 24 hours in advance. (It would be a courtesy to inform the interpreters as well.) This includes situations where the class was canceled, but the interpreter was not informed. However, no-shows can be converted to absences for valid reasons. The reasons should be discussed with the DSS coordinator to determine whether or not they are valid. Absences do not accrue.



• If a student does not show up at the beginning of class, the interpreter will wait 15 minutes per assignment before leaving. This will be counted as a no-show even if the student shows up for the class after the interpreter leaves.

Interpreter

If a student is in a class in which the interpreter has not shown up, she/he should contact the DSS office. If tardiness of the interpreter becomes a problem, the student should report it to the DSS coordinator. All attendance problems will be documented and appropriate follow-up will be taken.

Code of Ethics

• Interpreters at Texas A&M University-Kingsville follow the RID code of ethics to maintain the integrity of the profession and to protect themselves and the consumers. Some of the more pertinent guidelines are listed below.



• Interpreters shall keep all assignment related information strictly confidential.



• Interpreters shall render the message faithfully, always conveying the content and spirit of the speaker, using language most readily understood by the person(s) whom they serve.


Interpreters shall not counsel, advise or interject personal opinions.


• Interpreters shall function in a manner appropriate to the situation.

Using An Interpreter

• Interpreters are provided in situations to facilitate communication. They are only there to interpret from voice to sign and vice versa. Here are some tips for working with interpreters.



• Visit with the interpreter before the classroom session begins.



• Students should introduce themselves to the professor on the first day of class. Explain that you are deaf and introduce your interpreter.



• Whenever you are talking to a hearing person through an interpreter, maintain as much eye contact as you can with the hearing person.



• Sit in a location that will let you see both the interpreter and the professor. Try to do this before the first class begins.



• Know the vocabulary. Discuss with your interpreter the signs to be used in class for specific vocabulary. If new signs will be made up for the class, they should be agreed upon and understood by both you and the interpreter.



• If you do not understand your interpreter, you should talk to him/her about it as soon as you can. If you still do not understand, contact DSS to discuss it with the DSS coordinator.



• If you do not understand something that was said in class or feel that you have missed something, ask the instructor to repeat it or explain it. The interpreter is not the teacher.



• Establish a clarification process for when the instructor or anyone is hard to understand (i.e., missed information, softly spoken words and people talking at the same time).



• Most instructors want to help students understand. If you are having problems with a class, your homework or your textbook, ask to meet with the instructor. Do not forget to request an interpreter from the DSS office in advance.



• Do not interrupt the interpreter to ask the time, start a conversation or complain about the class. Remember part of the interpreter’s job is to voice what you sign, so do not say anything that you do not want the rest of the class to hear.

The DSS coordinator may monitor the classroom situation occasionally throughout the semester to ensure that the assignment continues to be appropriate for the student, interpreter, and faculty member. Observations will be scheduled in advance with the professor.

At the end of each semester evaluation forms will be filled out by the student. Students may also have the opportunity to fill out a feedback form in the middle of the semester to help the interpreter know that the student's need are being met. Forms will be provided by the DSS office.