St. Philip's College


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Interpreter Services

For Faculty

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Semester Interpreter Service Registration
 

Congratulations!!  You have the unique opportunity to work with a Deaf/Hard of Hearing student in your class.  One of the accommodations provided for this student is interpreter services.  An interpreter will be in the classroom with the student acting as a bilingual/bicultural mediator.  If you have any concerns or questions about the interpreter services provided, please feel free to contact the Interpreter Services Manager, Kari Arnold, at 531-3519. 

We would like to offer you a few suggestions on how to make the most of this experience.

When working with interpreters,
DO:

  • Speak directly to the deaf student, not the interpreter, when giving instructions or asking questions. "Did you have a question Johnny?"

  • Speak audibly.

  • Speak at a normal rate of speed.

  • Insist that the hearing students speak audibly and at a normal rate of speed.

  • Have materials for the interpreter to review before class whenever possible, i.e. textbooks, handouts, movies for preview, etc., so the interpreter may become familiar with the material.

  • Ensure that visual path between the student and interpreter is clear.

  • Allow the interpreter to be located near you, as well as near all visual aids.

  • Get captioned videotapes or give the interpreter plenty of advance notice and opportunity to preview videotapes.

  • Use visual aids copiously.

  • Keep interpreter informed of upcoming class activities.

  • Provide breaks.

  • Encourage participation.  Include the deaf students in class discussions, questions and answers.

DON'T:

  • Speak to the interpreter instead of the student: "Does Johnny have a question?"

  • Approach the interpreter for information or concerns about the student.

  • Mumble.

  • Allow hearing students to mumble.

  • Speak haltingly and slowly.

  • Stand between student and interpreter.

  • Turn off all lights.

  • Try to place student and interpreter "away in a corner."

  • Surprise interpreter with non-captioned videotapes.

  • Rush through post-exam reviews.  This does not leave the student enough time to look at the interpreter then look down on their paper to check the answers.

  • Ask interpreter to hold or pass on either information or papers to the student.

What do interpreters do?

  • Facilitate communication between deaf/hard of hearing and hearing persons.

  • Prepare for class when necessary by reviewing textbooks, handouts, movies, and materials ahead of time.

  • Refer student questions or problems to the teacher. 

What don't interpreters do?

  • Advise, counsel, offer opinions or information about, or to, the student.

  • Withhold the message from a consumer (student or instructor).

  • Tutor, explain.

  • Run errands, proctor tests, maintain classroom discipline.

  • Divulge confidential (assignment-related) information.

  • Participate in classroom discussions or activities.

What do I do if I have a problem with the student?

  • With the interpreter present, speak to the student directly regarding the problem, just as you would with any student. 

  • Please do not discuss student performance, or lack thereof, with the interpreter.

What do I do if I have a problem with the interpreter?

  • The first course of action would be to speak to the interpreter directly. 

  • If that fails to resolve the problem, please contact the Interpreter Services Manager, Kari Arnold, at 531-3519.
St. Philip's College>>Educational Support Services>>Interpreter Services
 

© Copyright St. Philip's College, 2004-2005. All Rights Reserved.
This page last updated September 30, 2004

St. Philip's College is a member institution of the Alamo Community College District.

The Alamo Community College District, including its affiliate colleges, does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age or disability with respect to access, employment, programs or services. Inquiries or complaints concerning these matters should be brought to the attention of the EEO representative. EEO Official/Director of Human Resources, Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources Department, 201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. A, San Antonio, Texas 78204(210) 208-8075

For any special accommodation issues or an alternate format, contact St. Philip s College Educational Support Services at 531-3512 or 531-3502. Persons with hearing impairments should call 531-3519 or Teletype for the Deaf at 531-3514.