While the Office of Disabled Students makes available several different technologies, all of them require that the speaker wear a microphone transmitting on a specific radio frequency. Therefore, in class discussions in large classrooms, the disabled student will be unable to hear the questions or comments of other students unless the professor repeats the information or allows time for the other speakers to use the microphone. Signlanguage Interpreters Visual transmission of information takes longer than auditory transmission, so occasionally, if the professor speaks rapidly or is using numerous technical terms that must be fingerspelled, a signlanguage interpreter may have to request that the lecturer repeat a piece of information or slightly slow the pace. Questions and remarks should be directed to the student, not the interpreter, although the interpreter will voice the student's responses and the student's own questions for the instructor. Additionally, the instructor should attempt to ensure that other students refrain from interruptions or talking simultaneously, since this situation presents significant obstacles both for the interpreter and for the hearing-impaired student.
Interpreters are also available for student-faculty meetings outside class.
In fact, since American Sign Language is a different language from English, students who use American Sign Language may have many of the same problems as those who use English as a second language. Enlarged visual displays Students with visual impairments often require enlarged overheads and handouts. Use of the Internet and Web pages to give students notes and outlines not only ensures information access for both visually and hearing impaired students, but also enhances the learning environment for all students. Virtual classroom discussion provides access for all students irrespective of shyness or disability. Internet access to the instructor Often questions posed by one student are questions that other students have had.