What We Expect of Interpreters

Check in at Disability Support Services regularly
Interpreters are encouraged to stop by the office and check out the Interpreting/Deaf/HH bulletin board in the Student Success Center.

Punctuality and Attendance
Interpreters are expected to be on time or call Disability Support Services with enough time available to locate a sub. Be aware that it takes approximately 10-15 minutes to park, sign in at Disability Support Services and walk to class. In some situations you may add 15 minutes on both sides of the class time to allow for this "in transit" time. Ask in Disability Support Services for more details.

If you are ill or delayed
Interpreters are expected to call in as soon as s/he knows they will not be able to interpret the class.

Verification of Hours worked and time sheets
Interpreters are expected to keep accurate time sheets, prep time logs, sign in/out as appropriate...etc.

Wait Time
Interpreters are expected to wait outside the classroom for the student to show up. On the first day check inside and outside of the classroom for the student. Please wear your own or a PAC Interpreter name tag so you are easy to identify. Wait at least 5 minutes for every 30 minutes of class time...10 min. for a 50 min class, 15 min. for a 1:15 class, and 30 minutes for a 3 hr. class. Please use common sense and give the student the benefit of the doubt. If the student is a no-show, please return to Disability Support Services for re-assignment.

No Show Students
Interpreters are expected to return to Disability Support Services if the student is a no-show. Depending on contracts and ACCD policy, compensation may be available even if the student is a no-show, if the interpreter is willing to do interpreting related office work or additional prep work.

Please Don't Make Interpreting Appointments With Students
Interpreters are expected to refer the student to Disability Support Services when s/he asks to schedule additional interpreting services. Disability Support Services keeps track of budgets, statistics, policies etc. that require all scheduling to occur through Disability Support Services if we will be charged for the service. PAC will not pay for interpreting assignments scheduled between the interpreter and student exclusively.

Team Interpreting
Team interpreting is two or more interpreters working together on an assignment, switching every 20-30 minutes. Teaming prevents injuring due to constant interpreting for too long a period of time and provides support for each other ensuring the message is accurately conveyed.

Language to Use
Interpreters are expected to match the interpreting level of difficulty with the student's comprehension. However, students are also expected to do their homework and come to class prepared.

Staying in Role
Interpreters are expected to stay in role and let Disability Support Services know when instructors/deaf/hh/hearing students or the situation persist in trying to pull the interpreter out of roll.

Colors to Wear
Interpreters are expected to wear solid colors that contrast to their skin color. College students may watch interpreters for a half day or more. Proper colors help to reduce eye strain. If you are unsure, ask in Disability Support Services.

Captioned Videos
Interpreters may remind instructors that if the video is not captioned, to provide a script to the D/HH student, or allow the interpreter to preview the tape before s/he has to interpret it in class, so the interpreter can be as accurate as possible. Instructors have to make sure and request a TV/VCR set up that has closed captioning display capability.