American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting Services Faculty FAQ

ASL interpreters support students with hearing-related disabilities by listening in class and translating lectures and discussions into American Sign Language. They may also translate the student's signed communication into spoken English when the student is called upon, has a comment or question, or makes a presentation.

ASL interpreting services are scheduled by Disability Services upon request from the student approved for the accommodation. If a student submits a request directly to you as the instructor of the course, please forward the request to dscommaccess@colorado.edu with the student’s name and contact information. Disability Services will then follow up with the student regarding their request.  

The service provider attending your class (remotely or in-person) may need to work with you and Disability Services to gain access to course materials so that they are familiar with content. All assignments and course-related information will be kept confidential.  

Professors may need to wear a microphone to transmit the audio directly to a captioner. Microphones will be provided by Disability Services.

Disability Services covers the cost of all ASL interpreting services for students approved for the classroom accommodation.

The use of technology may be required for ASL interpreting in instances when the service is being provided remotely. Professors may need to wear a microphone to transmit the audio directly to a captioner. Microphones will be provided by Disability Services.

ASL interpreters will only provide services when the student is present in the class.  

• Interpreters have an ethical responsibility to remain neutral. They cannot answer personal questions about the student, interject personal opinions or assist a student with schoolwork. They are there strictly to translate what is being said. 
• Interpreters should not be expected to hand out papers, take notes, participate in discussions or attend class when the student is absent.
• Speak directly to the student, not to the interpreter. A common mistake is to say, “Tell them…” or “Ask them…”. Instead, speak directly to the student as though the interpreter is not present. This shows the student respect and helps develop the student/instructor relationship.
• Expect lag time: Wait for interpretation and response before continuing to speak.
• Students with ASL interpreters may or may not speak for themselves. Even if ASL interpreters are present, the student may choose to speak when commenting or responding to questions in class.
• During class, the speaker and interpreter should both be in the student’s line of sight. Interpreters may ask you where you are sitting or standing in order to be seated near you. Make sure you do not stand between the interpreter and the deaf student.
• Keep in mind that the student must try and watch you as well as watch the interpreter. This is not always an easy task.  Lecturing from the front of the room rather than walking around the room can help, as can ensuring that you face the class as much as possible and speak at a moderate pace.