Interpreting & Realtime Transcription

Student Disability Services coordinates sign language interpreting and realtime transcription accommodations for eligible deaf and hard of hearing students. Services are determined individually based on disability documentation and the student's approved accommodations.

Eligibility & Documentation

Students seeking sign language interpreting or realtime transcription must first be approved for accommodations through Student Disability Services.

Accommodations are determined individually based on the documentation provided and the student's disability-related needs. Documentation for deaf and hard of hearing students may include:

A recent audiology report and audiogram with a clear diagnosis and description of functional limitations.
Recommendations for academic accommodations.
A Certificate of Deafness from the State of Texas, when applicable.

After approval, students meet with SDS to review their accommodations and the procedures for using interpreting or transcription services.

Interpreter Services for Classes

Students approved for sign language interpreting must request services each semester.

Contact the Interpreter Coordinator at least two weeks before the semester begins and provide your current class schedule. Early notification allows SDS to coordinate services for the first day of class.

If you add, drop or change a course after services have been arranged, notify the Interpreter Coordinator as soon as possible so SDS can adjust the interpreting schedule.

Email the Interpreter Coordinator

Request an Interpreter

Students who are currently registered with SDS may request an interpreter for academic activities outside the regularly scheduled classroom. Examples include:

Meetings with instructors during office hours.
Field trips and other required course activities.
Academic meetings.
Other approved academic activities on the main Texas Tech campus.

Advance Notice

Events lasting less than three hours: Submit the request at least 72 hours in advance.
Events lasting more than three hours: Submit the request at least three weeks in advance.
Events outside Lubbock: Requests are considered individually and depend on the availability of interpreting services in that area.

Requests submitted with less than the required notice cannot be guaranteed.

If an interpreter is not available, SDS may consider another appropriate communication access option, such as realtime transcription or supportive technology.

Submit an Interpreter Request

Using Interpreter Services

Sign language interpreters are trained communication professionals who facilitate communication between deaf or hard of hearing individuals and hearing individuals.

The interpreter's role is to relay information accurately between participants. Interpreters do not:

Answer questions on behalf of the student or instructor.
Explain course material.
Provide tutoring or academic assistance.
Give advice or personal opinions.
Participate in the class discussion as a student or instructor.

Students should direct questions about course content to their instructor rather than to the interpreter.

Working With Your Interpreter

Communicate your preferred mode of communication with the interpreter.
Work with the interpreter to establish signs for specialized vocabulary, particularly in technical courses or labs.
Discuss concerns with the interpreter outside active interpreting time when appropriate.
If a concern cannot be resolved, contact the Interpreter Coordinator.

Some courses or activities may require two interpreters working as a team. Team interpreting helps maintain accuracy during longer or more demanding assignments.

Realtime Transcription

Realtime transcription provides live text access to spoken classroom or event content. SDS may approve this accommodation for eligible deaf and hard of hearing students based on individual need.

Remote Communication Access Realtime Transcription, or RCART, uses specialized equipment and software to send classroom audio to a trained remote transcriber. The transcriber converts the spoken information into text that the student can read in real time.

Students requesting realtime transcription must discuss the accommodation with SDS. Approval is determined individually based on documentation and the student's communication access needs.

Using Realtime Transcription

Students using realtime transcription should:

Notify SDS of cancelled classes, tests, absences or schedule changes as soon as possible.
Contact SDS promptly if there are technical problems with transcription equipment or software.
Communicate with instructors about how the accommodation will be used in the classroom.
Report unresolved accommodation problems to SDS rather than waiting until the end of the semester.

Transcripts

Transcripts provided through the accommodation are intended for the approved student's academic use. Students should follow SDS requirements regarding access to and use of transcript materials.

Student Responsibilities

Students receiving interpreting or realtime transcription services are expected to communicate with SDS and help keep services coordinated throughout the semester.

Request semester interpreting services as early as possible.
Provide an accurate class schedule.
Notify SDS promptly of course changes.
Provide advance notice for additional interpreter requests.
Notify the appropriate SDS staff member about absences or cancellations.
Report problems with accommodations or equipment promptly.
Follow SDS procedures for no-shows and cancellations.

Communication is especially important when class schedules or academic activities change because interpreter and transcription assignments must be coordinated in advance.

Questions About Interpreting or Realtime Transcription?

Contact the SDS Interpreter Coordinator for questions about interpreter requests, semester interpreting services or realtime transcription.