Overview
At UC Davis, we prioritize inclusive communication practices to ensure that all students, regardless of their hearing abilities, have equal access to education. When interacting with individuals who are D/deaf or hard of hearing and utilizing an interpreter, it is essential to follow certain guidelines to facilitate effective communication.
Clear Communication
- When a student uses an interpreter, remember to speak directly to the student who is D/deaf or hard of hearing, not to the interpreter. The interpreter facilitates communication but is not part of the conversation. Avoid addressing personal remarks or questions to the interpreter that are intended for the D/deaf or hard of hearing individual.
- Speak clearly and in a normal tone when using an interpreter. Avoid rushing through lectures or providing information too quickly.
Face-to-Face Interaction
Face the student who is D/deaf or hard of hearing and speak to them in a normal manner. Maintain eye contact and speak clearly at a comfortable pace. Avoid turning away or making comments when the student's back is turned, as this disrupts the flow of communication.
Optimal Conditions
Ensure that the interpreter has a clear line of sight and adequate lighting. If the room requires dimming lights for presentations, consider auxiliary lighting to ensure visibility for the D/deaf or hard-of-hearing individual. Creating optimal conditions enhances the overall communication experience for everyone involved.
Timing and Communication
Recognize that interpreters may lag a few words behind the speaker. Allow the interpreter time to finish before asking questions or continuing the conversation. This ensures that the D/deaf or hard-of-hearing student can participate fully and ask questions as needed.
Group Discussions
During group discussions, encourage participants to take turns speaking and refrain from talking simultaneously. Multiple voices can be challenging for interpreters to follow. Consider implementing a system where individuals raise their hands and wait to be called upon, allowing the interpreter and the D/deaf or hard of hearing student to identify speakers before interpreting.
Sharing Preparation Materials
- Provide class materials in advance whenever possible, including PowerPoints, handouts, and charts, to facilitate effective communication. Providing course materials in advance allows ASL Interpreters to provide accurate interpretation by familiarizing themselves with course topics, proper names, and terminology.
- It is recommended to share preparation materials at least two hours in advance to allow time for interpreters to prepare.
- Course materials can be posted to your Canvas page or emailed to [email protected].
Guest Speakers and Presenters
- Inform guest speakers and student presenters about the use of interpreters.
- Please provide any written preparation materials that a guest speaker will be using (PowerPoint slides, handouts, etc.) via Canvas or email them to [email protected].
Accessible Materials
Provide written materials such as handouts, charts, or slides in advance whenever possible. This allows individuals who are D/deaf or hard of hearing to review the materials beforehand and follow along more effectively during presentations or lectures.
Remote Instruction
- Before the start of class, please grant the interpreter(s) and student(s) multi-pin permissions. This allows the interpreting team and student(s) to maintain visual access during the presentation to ensure a smooth flow of interpreting.
- Ensure speakers face the microphone to maintain clear audio transmission.
- Turning or moving away from the microphone will cause the audio to be unintelligible.
- Be mindful of ambient noises that may interfere with the audio feed, such as shuffling papers or typing.
- Monitor the chat window for questions or requests from the interpreter during Zoom lectures.
- When multiple participants are speaking at one time, the audio does not stream through or may cause feedback. Please ask participants to mute their microphone until they need to speak.
- You can use the chat window in Zoom to communicate with the interpreter. The interpreter will be named “ASL Interpreter” and their first name in the participant list. Please send all messages to the interpreter privately. Do not mention the student's name associated with their accommodation over the microphone or in a public chat.
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting FAQs for Faculty and Staff
By following these guidelines, we can create an inclusive environment where individuals who are D/deaf or hard of hearing can fully engage in their educational experience and contribute to our university community. We appreciate your cooperation in promoting effective communication practices for all students. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].