Requesting an Interpreter

Faculty and staff may request an interpreter for office hours, meetings, and other University-related events as needed by contacting Nancy Diener directly at 726-8709 (voice), or 726-7380 (TTY).

Deaf and Hard of Hearing students often request interpreters from Disability Services & Resources when they register for classes. In the unlikely event that the student shows for the first day of class without an interpreter, the student should be referred to Disability Services & Resources where he/she can complete and Interpreter Request Form. The form is given to the Interpreter Coordinator who will schedule an appropriate interpreter.

Tips for Working with an Interpreter

• Relax. Talk at your normal speed. Use all the facial expressions and gestures you normally use.
• The Deaf or Hard of Hearing person and the interpreter will generally work out seating arrangements in the class or meeting room. Usually the interpreter will be located near the speaker.
• Note that there is a slight time lag between the spoken message and the interpretation.
• When making reference to objects or written information, please allow time for the translation to take place. To aid the interpreter, avoid using terms such as "here," "there," and "this one." Better expressions are "on the second line," "upper left hand corner," etc.
• If you are planning a movie or other audiovisual presentation, please let the student and the interpreter know in advance so arrangements may be made for lighting and positioning. In the alternative, a separate viewing time may be scheduled.
• When talking to a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person through an interpreter, continue to look at and speak directly to the person, not the interpreter. Avoid using phrases like, "Ask him," or "tell her..."
• Be sensitive to class sessions or meetings extending longer than one hour. The interpreter may require a short break in order to maintain proficiency in interpreting.
• If the Deaf or Hard of Hearing individual does not show up for class or a meeting, the interpreter will generally wait 15 minutes and will return to Disability Services & Resources.
• Should an interpreter not be present during a class period, conduct class as usual, recognizing the need of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing student to have information given visually (i.e. use of blackboard, clear view of speaker's face, borrowing notes from a classmate, etc.). Contact Disability Services & Resources for assistance.

Disability Services & Resources staff are available to answer questions about interpreting services, communicating with Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals, and to provide assistance as needed. Call Nancy Diener at 726-8709 (voice) or 726-7380 (TTY) or email ndiener@d.umn.edu for more information.

Sunday, 15-Jun-2008 15:18:40 CDT