Disability Resource Center

ASL Interpreting & Real-Time Captioning Services Agreement

For the purpose of this webpage, ASL Interpreters and Real-Time Captioners will be referred to collectively as “Service Providers”.

Requesting a Service Provider

After enrolling in classes each term, students who are D/deaf or Hard of Hearing and need the assistance of a Service Provider must submit a service request through DRC Online. There is a helpful tutorial for how to enter your service request to guide you through the process. Students making these requests should do so at least two weeks in advance of the beginning of the term. Early requests ensure there is sufficient time to secure interpreters or transcribers for the first day of class, although every effort will be made to provide services for last-minute requests as well.

Using a Service Provider in Class

  • Service providers will primarily be attending in the same format you are planning to attend (in-person or remotely). 
    • If you are in an Attend Anywhere course, select a primary attendance format where the DRC can arrange for your service provider to attend. 
    • If your attendance format changes, update your plans with the DRC as soon as possible. Service providers will prioritize transitioning to your new class format within 48 hours, although there may be situations where this change is not possible.
      Early notice ensures there is sufficient time for interpreters or transcribers to adjust your service plan, although every effort will be made to provide services for last-minute requests as well.
  • The Service Provider will introduce themselves and explain their role to your instructor in-person on the first day of class or via email prior to the start of services.
  • The Service Provider will translate the lecture and discussions as accurately as possible. You are responsible for preparing yourself for class so that you will understand the information being presented. 
  • Do not socialize with the Service Provider during class. (If you are using an Interpreter remember: the instructor has the right to request the Interpreter to voice all of your comments.) 
  • If you need to arrange time with the Service Provider before or after class feel free to make an appointment directly with the Service Provider. You are allowed 30 minutes per week to meet with the Service Provider to enrich the delivery of the service. You may also use some of this time to meet with the instructor accompanied by your Service Provider. Giving advance notice is recommended.
  • Discuss concerns regarding communication and/or services as soon as they come up. This is critical to maintaining a good ongoing relationship with your Service Provider and to ensuring that your needs are met. If concerns persist, make an appointment with a DRC professional or come to DRC drop-in hours. 

Students Using an ASL Interpreter

  • The Interpreter will collaborate with you to locate the best position in the classroom to give you the best view of both the Interpreter and the instructor. 
  • Discuss with the Interpreter your preferred mode of communication or sign language preferences. 
  • For remote courses, use current Zoom settings to keep your Interpreters pinned and clearly visible within your Zoom window. If you have any questions about how to keep your Interpreter pinned on-screen, connect with your interpreter or contact the DRC Access Services Coordinator by emailing drcterp@pdx.edu

 


Students Using a Real-Time Captioner

  • The Captioner will try to collaborate with you to locate the best position in the classroom to give you the best view of both the laptop and instructor. If you prefer other arrangements, please inform the DRC. 
  • The Captioner will also collaborate with you to stream the CART captions in the best format for your needs, using either BridgeMobile or Zoom’s built-in captioning.
     

Late To Class

  • It is your responsibility to arrive at all classes on time. Service Providers are held to this same standard. Service Providers will wait 15 - 20 minutes for you to arrive, before leaving for the remainder of the class. The wait time is determined by the length of the class.

 

Class Absences

  • Cancel services at least 24 hours in advance or as soon as you know you will be absent. The best people to contact in the case of an absence are listed below.
  • All service providers are expected to report a student’s absences when they occur by emailing drcterp@pdx.edu. After three or more missed classes in one term, someone from the DRC will reach out to you to check in and offer support.
  • Should you accrue three consecutive “No Show Days” in one course without communication with service providers or the DRC, the DRC may suspend your Interpreting or Captioning services for the course in question. If services are suspended, you would need to make an appointment with a DRC Access Counselor & Consultant before services would be reinstated. 

Meetings and Events

Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and need the assistance of a Service Provider for any university meetings, activities, or events must submit a custom request form. Students should request these services at least five (5) business days in advance to arrange for Service Providers. Early requests ensure there is sufficient time to secure interpreters or transcribers for the first day of class, although every effort will be made to provide services for last-minute requests as well.

  • You are responsible for arriving on time to all events. Service Providers are held to the same standard. Service Providers will wait 15 - 20 minutes for you to arrive. The wait time is determined by the length of the event. After the designated wait time, the Service Provider will leave and inform the DRC. We will record a “No Show Day” for you. 
  • Service providers will primarily be attending in the same format you are planning to attend (in-person or remotely). If your attendance format changes, update your plans with the DRC as soon as possible. Service providers will prioritize transitioning to your new class format within 48 hours, although there may be situations where this change is not possible.

 

Meeting Absences

  • As with courses, cancel services at least 24 hours in advance or as soon as you know you will no longer be attending the event. The best people to contact in the case of an absence are listed below.
  • Interpreting and CART providers are expected to report student’s absences when they occur by emailing drcterp@pdx.edu.
    • There may be times when someone from DS will reach out to you to check in and offer support, after 3 or more missed events in one term. 
    • Should you accrue three “No Show” events during a term without communication with your service providers or the DRC, the DRC may suspend your Interpreting or Captioning services for events. To lift the suspension, you must  meet with a DRC professional before services will be reinstated.

Release of Information Consent

In order to provide timely service and communication, it is helpful for our office to give the service provider your contact information: email address and phone number (if any). The service provider will keep this contact information confidential and will not share it with anyone except their employees for the purpose of communicating and coordinating your interpreting or captioning services.

You will be asked to e-sign this agreement every term when you log in to DRC Online to enter your service requests. On occasion, you may be asked to provide a signed copy of this agreement. If requested, print this page and sign as directed below, then return the signed document to the person who requested the signed copy.

Print Name:

Signature:

Date:

If you have questions about the information on this page, please contact the Disability Resource Center.

Access Services Coordinator
For Interpreting and Captioning
Email: drcterp@pdx.edu
Phone: 503-725-6504

Check our home page (https://www.pdx.edu/disability-resource-center/) for our hours and contact information.