Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
The Team Approach

The student, teacher, and interpreter work together as an educational team in order to create a successful learning environment

Students:
· Know that the interpreter is your link to the teacher, classmates, and the material presented in the class. Therefore, watch the interpreter during class lectures, discussions, movies, and labs.
· Talk to the teacher so that you may get a good seat and ensure a good view of the teacher, interpreter, board, movies, maps, etc.
· Participate in class discussions.
· Direct all questions, comments to the teacher, not to the interpreter. Do not ask the interpreter to tell you what you miss or do not understand. Limit conversations with the interpreter to before or after class.
· Communicate any expected absence or tardy to the teacher and Interpreter Manager.
· Expect equitable treatment within the classroom
· Contact the Interpreter Manager or Department Chairperson if you have comments or concerns.

Interpreter:
· Interpret lectures, discussions and movies and all asides in the classroom setting.
· Conduct yourself as a professional in accordance with the RID/BEI Principles of Ethical Behavior.
· Render the message faithfully; do not bring undue attention to yourself.
· Refer student questions or problems to the teacher.Do not discipline students. Limit personal conversations to before or after class time.
· Prepare for class when necessary by reviewing textbooks, handouts, movies, and materials ahead of time.
· Support the deaf student’s rights to equity in the classroom.
· Contact the Interpreter Manager if you have comments or concerns.

Teacher:
· Encourage participation. Include the deaf students in class discussions, questions and answers.
· Speak directly to the deaf student, not the interpreter, when giving instructions or asking questions.
· Do not expect the interpreter to tutor, discipline, monitor students or assume instructional responsibilities.
· Any questions about the ethics of a relational situation should be directed to Department Chairperson.
· When possible, have materials for the interpreter to review before class i.e. textbooks, handouts, movies for preview, etc., so the interpreter may become familiar
· Support the Deaf student’s right to equity in the classroom.
· Contact the Interpreter Manager or Department Chairperson if you have questions or concerns. (785-6084 or 733-2071)