An interpreter provides access to the spoken word by translating what is said into sign language, mouth movements, silent repetition, hand shapes, hand placements, etc., for a person who is deaf. There are several types of interpreters such as ASL interpreters, Cued Speech Transliterators, Sign Language transliterators, and Oral Transliterators. The DSO will contact the student and instructor as needed with specific information about the interpreter.

The DSO provides and schedules interpreters for

Classroom instruction
Meetings with campus advisors
Lab work or field trips required for class grade
Meetings with instructors about coursework.

For students sponsored by Vocational Rehabilitation, the DSO coordinates interpreters for

The job expo or career fair during the year of graduation
Tutoring sessions
Meetings with financial aid officers

The DSO does not provide or schedule interpreters for university events such as:

Extra curricular activities
Sporting events or practice
Theater unless required for course completion
Sorority/Fraternity meetings
Church
Health services or mental health services
Residence Hall meetings
New student orientation
Commencement
Registration
Optional Study Groups

Contact the hosting department, office, or group if you need an interpreter for their event. Students, departments, programs, etc., who are interested in hiring interpreters can see the list published by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing.

Instructor

Allow interpreter to attend the course meetings
Provide all needed course information and materials.
Notify the DSO two weeks in advance of required events outside the usual classroom schedule. Requests may be accepted with less notice, but the interpreter cannot be guaranteed.

Student

Provide the DSO with your class schedule and syllabus well in advance of the semester.
Contact the DSO immediately if and when:
- You drop the course. Make sure you have informed your instructor as well.
- There is any change in course meeting times, places, or other essential information.
- You will not be attending class. It is not sufficient for you to inform your interpreter when this occurs. If you are late, the interpreter will wait 15 minutes and then leave. Repeated failure to report your absences to the DSO could result in loss of services.
- Your interpreter does not report to class. Make sure that you carry a back-up solution such as note taking paper, tape recorder, etc.
- You experience other problems. Report problems immediately to the instructor and the DSO
- You need the interpreter to report for an additional course meeting i.e. field trips, etc. Notify the DSO two weeks in advance of required events outside the usual classroom schedule. Requests may be accepted with less notice, but the interpreter cannot be guaranteed.
Contact your interpreter immediately if and when the course meeting times, locations, or other essential information has changed. Make sure your interpreter has a copy of the course syllabus.

DSO

Schedule and fund interpreter services for regular class meeting times and any course required events or activities that the instructor or student has notified the DSO about two weeks in advance.