What Services are Available?
Sign Language interpreters are available to facilitate communication between Deaf/Hard of Hearing students and their instructors, peers, case manager, and any other related services. Interpreters use American Sign Language as the main form of communication. Requests for an interpreter are made through to InterpretingServices@sfcc.edu with a 72 hour notice.
How to Contact Interpreting Services
Interpreting Services falls under the umbrella of Accessibility Services. To contact Interpreting Services you may call 505-428-1349 or email InterpretingServices@sfcc.edu. While preferred interpreters are accommodated, when possible, availability is not guaranteed.
What is the Process to Request Services?
- Eligibility: Students must complete the 3 Step Intake process with Accessibility Services prior to receiving interpreting services.
- Interpreting for an appointment: Students must request an interpreter with a 72 hour window of notice for a service, such as tutoring or meeting with a case manager.
- Interpreting for a class: Students must request an interpreter at least three weeks prior to the beginning of their class. An interpreter may not be available on shorter notice.
- Changes in schedule: Students are required to contact InterpretingServices@sfcc.edu if there are any changes in their schedule.
- If a student plans to miss a class, they must inform InterpretingServices@sfcc.edu at least 24 hours prior to the start of the class. Missing multiple classes without notice can result in the cancellation of interpreting services.
Interpreter Expectations
Interpreters must adhere to professional guidelines. The code of ethics set by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf puts forth the principles of ethical behavior to be followed by all interpreters.
Video Relay Booths
Accessibility Services also hosts two Interpreting Relay Booths where students can video conference with an interpreter to communicate with community agencies or other appointments.
Located in Lower Level 312 or to the right of Lower Level 313 on the Westside of Campus
Support for Instructors
- Please remember essential universal design principles when developing your course content, including the need for closed captions and visual descriptions for multimedia materials. Contact Online Teaching and Learning (OTL), otl@sfcc.edu, if you have any questions or need training on how to use features in different platforms to make sure communication is accessible, including how to pin the interpreter, access real-time captions, mute microphones, turn video on and off, etc.
If you are teaching students who require ASL interpretation, there are additional considerations to keep in mind, including:
- When speaking to a deaf student, maintain direct eye contact (as appropriate). Even though the student will be looking at the interpreter and will only periodically make eye contact with you, it is still considered good form to focus your attention on the student and not on the interpreter.
- Speak naturally and at a reasonable pace. Interpreters process information cognitively before performing their interpretation, meaning that information is generally conveyed one or two sentences behind the communicator.
- Interpreters can only convey one message at a time. Manage class discussions to minimize overlapping conversation.
When working with Hearing-Impaired Students, please keep in mind:
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- When speaking with a deaf or hard-of-hearing student, make sure to face them directly. Many students rely on lip reading or need clear visual access to facial expressions, and they may struggle to hear if you’re not facing them.
- Give students extra time to process what has been said before expecting a response. This can help ensure understanding and reduce stress.
- Avoid speaking or explaining while students are engaged in independent tasks, such as reading or writing. Background noise can interfere with a hearing-impaired student’s ability to focus on the task. To help all students, try to manage the flow of class activities, allowing for clear transitions between speaking and independent work.
