Provide a detailed syllabus and list of assignments. Allow students who use interpreters to have all or part of an exam interpreted for them. Because English is not their first language, students may have difficulty understanding the exam questions and will need the exam translated into sign language. They translate English into a sign language such as American Sign Language. 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.
Do not call in on the interpreter to answer questions. Vision may fluctuate due to periods of illness, overuse, or poor lighting. A person with a visual impairment does not have a sixth sense, but learns how to compensate for the loss of vision by improving his or her other senses. Students with visual impairments may have problems in areas such as reading, gathering information, and participating in extra-curricular activities. They may use a cane, a guide dog, or nothing at all to help them with mobility.