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SDAC: D/deaf and Hard of Hearing

D/deaf and Hard of Hearing

SDAC coordinates services for D/deaf and hard of hearing students, faculty, staff, and visitors for University-sponsored courses, programs, meetings, and events. To make that possible, SDAC offers the following services:

Sign Language Interpreting

A Sign Language Interpreter translates spoken English into American Sign Language, and vice versa, allowing individuals who are D/deaf or Hard of Hearing to effectively communicate with hearing people in various settings.

Scheduling 

Scheduling certified, qualified interpreters requires planning and preparation. There is a high demand for these services and a limited number of service providers.  SDAC recommends including an access or accommodations statement on all event materials to ensure interpreters are available for those who require:

“For questions about accessibility, or to request accommodations for this event, please contact [name] at [phone] or [e-mail]. Requests should be made at least [specific time period] prior to the event.”

When scheduling, the more notice, the better. Requests made with little advance notice may result in partial or no services being available.

  • Events in Short Duration (i.e., class presentation, informational session) - At least two weeks' notice
  • Events in Long Duration (i.e., conferences, seminars)- At least a month's notice
  • Course/class Interpretation- At least six weeks' notice

In order to provide quality services in a timely manner, please complete the ASL Request Form (Netbadge Required).

The form asks for the following information:

Requestor’s name, phone number and email address Date, time and duration of the class, event or meeting

 

Interpreter fees typically include 2-hour minimums, travel time, and preparation time. It is standard practice for two or more interpreters to be present for events lasting longer than one hour. Cancellation fees may also apply for late cancellations or no-shows.

  • Location of the class, event, or meeting
  • Brief description of the class, event, or meeting
  • Name of professor, speaker, or event organizer
Interpreting Considerations
  • Provide preparation materials that may help the interpreter(s), such as event schedules, PowerPoint slides, handouts, or other written materials used during the event.
  • It is standard practice for two or more interpreters to be present for events lasting longer than one hour. The interpreter team prevents mental fatigue, ensures accuracy, and provides support to the other interpreter.
  • Seating: Arrangements for a designated space for the interpreters and the attendee(s) will be necessary. Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals rely heavily on visual information and need a clear line of sight to the interpreters and the speakers of the event. Please reserve seating so their view is not obstructed.
  • It is crucial for the interpreters to have full auditory access to the event. For larger events and events outside, this may require an in-the-ear monitor that can be arranged with A/V technicians.
  • Please plan to make the interpreter(s) aware of any parking considerations.
Additional Resources

Captioning & Transcription 

Captioning and transcription of video and audio content provides viewers with additional ways to access content. It helps to remove miscommunications that may arise from differences in:

  • Hearing ability,
  • Processing ability,
  • Listener's primary language,
  • Speaker accent, and/or
  • Audio quality.
Scheduling

In order to provide quality services in a timely manner, please complete the Captioning Request Form (Netbadge Required) or email [email protected]. (ADD button like SDAC Portal on home page)

The form asks for the following information:

  • Requestor’s name, phone number and email address
  • How we can assist with your captioning/transcription needs (if known).
  • Guides you through what information is needed for post-production captioning/transcription.
  • Requests more information about your upcoming meeting/class/event in which you might need live real-time captioning. Location of the class, event, or meeting.
  • Allows for you to just describe or ask a question
Additional Information

Please visit the UVA’s Captioning and Transcription page for additional information on Captioning and visit UVA's Academic Captioning Project to learn more about the centrally funded effort to encourage the provision of accurate captions and transcripts for recorded academic course content.

Hearing Loop

UVA accessibility professionals support and encourage the addition/installation of hearing loop (induction loop) technology as the recommended assistive listening system (ALS) for large venues, auditoriums, classrooms, reception areas, ticket counters, and other appropriate spaces throughout the Academic Grounds, athletic venues, and Health System at the University of Virginia. learn more about hearing loop

Other Accommodations: 

Other examples of accommodations include

  • Assistive listening devices (i.e., FM system, remote microphones)
  • Preferential seating
  • Notetaking services
  • Other accommodations as appropriate

Request a D/deaf or Hard of Hearing Accommodation

Decisions regarding accommodations can be reached only after appropriate disability documentation has been received and evaluated. 

Student

Students who are D/deaf or Hard of Hearing, please complete the SDAC Student Application or email SDAC to set up a meeting with our D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Coordinator.

Faculty/Staff

Faculty or staff in need of American Sign Language Interpreting, Captioning, or other D/deaf or Hard of Hearing disability-related accommodation should refer to the Procedures for Employees with Disabilities to Request Workplace Accommodations. Faculty and staff should also contact their department’s Employee Relations Consultant.

If a student requests captioning or American Sign Language services as a disability-related accommodation, faculty/staff should email SDAC. SDAC will arrange for American sign language interpreting and/or professional captioning services and assist with the process.

Faculty/staff who receive a request for American Sign Language interpreter or closed captioning as it pertains to a disability for an event they are hosting should please complete one or both of the following request forms:

Visitor

To request disability-related accommodation for an event or meeting, please first reach out to the event organizer or email SDAC. Some requests require time to arrange, so the more advanced notice provided, the better. When submitting a request please include the following information:

  • Title of event
  • Date

  • Time (start and end times)
  • Nature of Request (meeting, conference, presentation, tour, etc.)
  • Location (building and room)
  • Person requesting service (if different from self)