Interpreter/CART Request

Students Requesting ASL Interpreter/CART Services

HSC students in need of sign language interpreting or CART Services will need to completely fill out the Interpreter Services Request Form* (hyperlink) for each request needed.  Please submit 3 business days prior to when you are needing the service. Once SDS receives the request the student will be notified of receipt, and then again once the request has been filled.  SDS will also confirm the type of services secured and, if possible, the name of the interpreter or transcriptionist.  In the event a change needs to be made to the original request, the student will need to email SDS 48 hours prior to the scheduled event.

Sign Language Interpreters

A sign language interpreter is an individual who helps the Deaf or hard of hearing student understand the spoken language by converting it into sign language. Interpreters are needed in both one-on-one situations as well as group settings. Interpreting is a complex process that requires a high degree of linguistic, cognitive, and technical skills in both English and American Sign Language (ASL). Sign language interpreting, like spoken language interpreting, involves more than simply replacing a word of spoken English with a signed representation of that English word. ASL has its own grammatical rules, sentence structure and cultural nuances. Interpreters must thoroughly understand the subject matter in which they work so that they are able to convert information from one language, known as the source language, into another, known as the target language. In addition, interpretations can incorporate cultural information associated with the languages used.

Sign language interpreters have a responsibility to the student to faithfully convey the spirit and intent of the speaker. The role of the interpreter is NOT to advise, edit, advocate, teach, interject personal opinions, or have personal conversations with the participants in any interpreting situation. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain the ownership of all situations involving interpreter services.

Real Time Captioning

Remote Communication Access Real-time Transcription (RCART) is designed to provide the Deaf or hard of hearing student with a real-time transcription of the lecture in the classroom or event. This process is accomplished by a remote connection with third party vendors that provide the Remote CART services. The transcriber is located offsite and listens to the lecture through Zoom capabilities or audio can be transmitted through a lapel microphone to the receiver which then sends the signal via the internet. The transcriber listens and types the lecture text using captioning software which is then sent to the student through a web link so the student can read the lecture in real time.

An important point to consider is that the transcriber may or may not be able to hear other students in the classroom, and the Deaf student may not be able to ask questions or make comments. When working with a student who is using a Remote CART system, please remember to repeat questions or comments from the audience. Only the main presenter would wear a microphone; therefore, the questions will not be heard by the transcriber. When the presenter repeats questions or comments, the student will have equal access to the classroom information via the transcription.