The University of Toledo

Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The following information is designed for the instructor who has a deaf or hard of hearing student enrolled in class. Deaf and hard of hearing students should be accepted on the same basis as other students and treated the same as other students in the classroom as far as standards, behavior, tardiness, absences, etc. are concerned.

Showing videos in class, or on-line? Please make sure the material is captioned. To learn more Click Here

Safety

Students who are deaf or hard of hearing may not hear alarms or other audible warnings. Instructors should inform the student of an emergency. There are three ways to get this person's attention:

• Write a note for the student alerting him or her to the emergency and instructing him or her where to go.
• Turn the light switch off and on to gain attention.
• Tap his or her shoulder.  

In most instances, an interpreter/ transcriber will be in the classroom to explain the emergency to the student. Provide any assistance a student might need during the evacuation process.

Interpreting Services

Students who are Deaf or hard of hearing may need to utilize interpreting services as a means of exchanging verbal communication. Interpreting services include sign language interpreting, oral interpreting or speech-to text- transcription.

Not all Deaf students know sign language. Students that sign most often use a sign language interpreter, while students that do not sign usually use a speech-to-text transcriptionist.  Interpreters or speech-to-text transcriptionists assigned to the student who is Deaf or hard of hearing will only act as a means of communication delivery.

The Role of the Interpreter or Transcriber

Sign language interpreters and speech-to-text transcriptionists are paid professionals, who provide communication assistance according to a strict Code of Ethics. The role of the interpreter within the classroom is as follows:

1.    The interpreter/transcriptionist is to view all information from an interpreting situation as CONFIDENTIAL.

2.    The interpreter/transcriptionist will position herself in an area of the classroom that will best meet the needs of the Deaf or hard of hearing student and the instructor. Feel free to discuss any concerns on location with the interpreter/transcriptionist.

3.    The interpreter will neither add to nor delete from any interaction which takes place in the classroom. It is generally permissible for the student and/or interpreter to briefly clarify a remark, either signed or spoken, during class. Transcriptionists transcribe  meaning-for-meaning what is said in lectures and discussions.

4.    All questions asked by the deaf or hard of hearing students will be voiced directly to the instructor either by the student or the interpreter.

5.    The instructor should speak directly to the student. The interpreter/transcriptionist will convey all meaning of the conversation. Also, as a rule, always maintain eye contact with the student. When the instructor does not understand a student's voice or signs, the interpreter can repeat what the student said.

6.    If you would like to speak to the student after class and will need the assistance of the interpreter/transcriptionist, ask if the interpreter/transcriptionist can stay for a few minutes. The interpreter/transcriptionist may not be free due to another assignment immediately following your class. To arrange in advance for interpreting services outside the classroom, you may complete and submit an Interpreter Request Form.

7.    The interpreter/transcriptionist will wait outside until the student arrives. If the student fails to show after fifteen minutes, the interpreter will leave.

8.    Interpreters are in the classroom only to facilitate communication and must not be asked to do other things like run errands, proctor an exam, etc. Please speak to the student who is deaf and not to the interpreter/transcriptionist.

9.    Video materials are virtually impossible to interpret or transcribe accurately in real time. Please ensure that all audio materia, including on-line videos, are captioned prior to the date they are need in class.

10.    Frequently, the deaf or hard of hearing student will require more time for examinations because of reading level and language differences. Due to these differences, an interpreter may need to reword sections of the test, and will be provided by the OA with the approval of the instructor.
To learn more about testing Click Here.

11.  Since the Deaf or hard of hearing student must maintain eye contact on the interpreter and instructor, notes cannot be taken, the student may request a note taker be assigned in the class
To learn more about note taking Click Here.

12.  Students who use speech-to-text transcription will receive a transcript of each class.

Assistive Listening Devices

Some students with hearing impairment use assistive listening devices to amplify audio information. If an assistive listening device is needed, you may be requested to wear a small wireless amplification device that will enhance your tone and voice, so that the student with hearing impairment may receive audio information more clearly. The assistive listening devices are obtained via student through the Office of Accessibility.

The Office of Accessibility is always available to assist you with issues related to the needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Please contact us on Main Campus at 419.530.4981 if you have any questions or concerns.

Location of Video Phone Devices

Location	Location	IP Address
Rocket Hall	In front of 1111 RH on top of the cabinet that is already there	131.183.96.32
The Crossings	2005A	131.183.234.32
Scott Park Library	Outside 1110 - down hallway behind info desk in library	131.183.110.32
Health Science Center	4th Floor of Mulford Library - online resource room	136.247.233.96
Student Union	Next to 1532T, Huntington Bank
Transportation Center	1001 - in front of dispatch window to the right