Provide as much detail as possible on the course syllabus to give the student a visual reference to assignments. Because the hearing-impaired student will need to give his or her full attention to the instructor and the interpreter, assist the student in finding a notetaker for the class. Have copies of materials that will be presented on an overhead projector available for the student. Contact the SSWD Coordinator with any questions or concerns at 323-2233. It is important to realize that interpreters translate everything said in a classroom by a faculty member, staff member, or student.
Interpreters regard all information as confidential and are bound by strict ethical guidelines.
Direct questions for the hearing-impaired student to the student, not the interpreter. Interpreters do not participate in the class and cannot speak or think for the hearing-impaired students. Understand that the interpreter may need to adjust the lecture pace and sometimes it may be necessary for professors to adjust to the pace of the interpreter. So that the student can maintain eye contact with both professor and interpreter, understand that the interpreter will generally sit to the left or right of the professor facing the class. Assist with any needed classroom re-arrangements so that the interpreter will be sitting in good lighting.