Chapter 11 - Interpreting Services

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

Disability Access Services (DAS) provides qualified interpreters per the state of Oregon regulations. Interpreters working for DAS must also abide by the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct

Student Responsibilities 

  • Request accommodations through the DAS Student Portal according to the timeline in Chapter 4 of the DAS Student Handbook. 
  • Cancel or modify requests for accommodations through the DAS Student Portal if withdrawing from a course or if services are not needed. 
  • Email the interpreters and [email protected]:
    • when absent from class(es)
    • if the instructor cancels class on a particular day. 
    • if there is a classroom change.  If DAS 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.
  • 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 DAS. 

Acadmic/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 DAS Student Portal.   

Class-related special events may also include the following:

  • Instructor assigned out of class activities
    • attending a theatrical production
    • attending a guest lecture
  • SI Tables
  • Student resource fairs
  • Instructor scheduled review sessions before an exam
  • 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 DAS Student Portal.

Non-class related interpreting requests include the following:

  • Meeting with instructors during office hours
  • Meeting with academic advisors
  • Meeting with a CAPS therapist/counselor
  • Participating in student clubs/organizations (e.g., ASL Club)
  • Residence hall floor meetings

OSU-Sponsored Events

If you would like to attend an OSU-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 [email protected]. Examples of these events are as follows:

  • A guest lecture
  • A webinar or workshop
  • An artistic, theatrical, or musical event at the PRAx Center

Working with Interpreters

  • Please see theNAD-RID Code of Professional Conductfor information regarding the role of an interpreter. 
  • Names and email addresses of interpreters can be found by clicking the Communication Access link under My Accommodations in the DAS Student Portal. 
  • 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). 
  • 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/go over the presentation. 
  • Request clarification from the instructor, not the interpreter(s), regarding course content. 
  • Do not expect the interpreter(s) to be available to interpret additional questions or comments after the class ends. 
  • The student should discuss concerns related to the interpreter/interpreting process directly with the interpreter. If the issue remains unresolved, the student should make an appointment with the Coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Services by emailing [email protected] or calling (541) 737-4098. 

Page Updated: 10/2024