Interpreting / Transliteration

Drexel University contracts with qualified, professionals as service providers, when requested and determined to be a reasonable accommodation.  Once students are approved to use interpreters / transliterators as an auxiliary aid, students need to complete the Interpreter/Transliterator Request Form for accommodation requests.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), when an interpreter is required, the public accommodation should provide a qualified interpreter, that is, an interpreter who is able to sign to the individual who is deaf what is being said by the hearing person and who can voice to the hearing person what is being signed by the individual who is deaf. This communication must be conveyed effectively, accurately, and impartially, through the use of any necessary specialized vocabulary.

There are several types of interpreting services that may be used in the academic setting. They are:

Sign Language Interpreting - ASL, signed English, or pidgin, the interpreter “visually” relays the spoken word in whatever sign system agreed on.

Oral Interpreting - the interpreter “mouths” the words spoken for the deaf or hard of hearing student. Sign language may sometimes be used as a filler.

Tactile Interpreting - is used by deaf-blind students who need to “feel” the formation of signs that the interpreter is making. The student’s hands are placed on top of the interpreter’s hands during interpreting. On-the-palm printing can also be used by some students.

Low-Vision Interpreting - is used by deaf/low-vision students who cannot see the interpreter from a usual distance. The interpreter and student face each other at a closer distance, so that the interpreter is in the line of vision.

While interpreting, the interpreter cannot listen to the instructor, interpret, and understand what the recipient is saying at the same time. If clarification is needed from the instructor or class participants, the student should raise their hand and ask the question. The interpreter will voice the questions and/or responses; therefore, students should not sign/cue anything that is not wanted to be voiced in class.

Clarification and discussion of preferences with Service Providers at the beginning of the term can help avoid misunderstandings. It is important to work at keeping communication open.