Shared Responsibility

Interpreters and captionists work for both the hearing and the deaf person. Requests for services can be made by the student, event coordinator, or professor. After receiving a request, the Dart Center will initiate communication and coordinate services.

Communicating with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals

• Speak directly to the deaf person (do not say "tell him/her").
• Encourage appropriate turn taking by having only one speaker at a time.
• People who wear hearing aids may not hear sounds the way others do. Hearing aids amplify all sounds and can make small noises overwhelming. Sometimes people with hearing aids only hear jumbled sounds and disjointed fragments.
• Due to the nature of the interpreting and captioning process, the Deaf person receives information at a slightly delayed pace. The following practices help ensure access to content:
  • allow more time for questions and transitions
  • allow additional time to look at visual materials
  • project materials to allow participants to follow along when materials are being read aloud

 Collaborating with Communication Access Staff (Interpreters and Captionists)

Communication access staff will introduce themselves and answer any questions about their work. As a reminder, direct all participant-related communication to the Deaf participant as the interpreter or captionist is present to facilitate this communication.

Interpreters and Captionists:

• Follow a Code of Ethics that includes strict confidentiality of all person and service-related information
• Will discuss the best location and lighting for providing their service
• May also request technical vocabulary and other preparatory materials
• May be granted access to Canvas and may request access to online content for class/event materials

Working with an Interpreter:

• Interpreters often work in teams to control fatigue and support accuracy.
• The interpreter may be several words or sentences behind you. Therefore, when asking questions or taking comments, allow time for the interpreter to finish conveying information.
• Speak directly to the deaf person. The interpreters are there to facilitate communication between the two of you.

Working with a Captionist:

• Captionists will send a copy of the captioned material to the Deaf student. These transcripts are only for the Deaf student and not shared with other students. If a professor wishes to review the transcript, contact the Dart Center.