In one moment you are prepared and ready for a new semester. Five short minutes later, you receive an email in your inbox notifying you that one of your students is deaf and communicates in American Sign Language (ASL). Now, you don’t feel so ready anymore. Suddenly, you are worried about the accessibility of your course and feel unsure because you’ve never interacted with a deaf person and don’t want to appear ignorant or insensitive. Can you relate?
Don’t panic! No matter the course, you have a partner in accessible learning: Boise State’s staff sign language interpreter. The following tips will ensure seamless classroom communication.
The Role of the Interpreter
What is the role of an ASL interpreter in the classroom? Some instructors feel intimidated, anticipating their teaching methods will be scrutinized. Others mistakenly assume the interpreter is a helper for the student. Here’s what the interpreter will do:
- Facilitate communication – The interpreter’s role is to facilitate communication. They aren’t trained to tutor students or check for understanding of course content.
- Work between two languages – The interpreter is present for both the deaf and hearing parties, interpreting between English and ASL. Keep in mind that ASL is an actual language and interpreters are processing information cognitively before they interpret it, so the interpreted message will lag behind the original message.
- Work in an interpreting team – Interpreting is mentally and physically taxing. Generally, two interpreters are needed for assignments over an hour.
- Provide an accurate interpretation – The interpreter will interpret all communication and environmental noise. Don’t ask the interpreter to censor.
- Behave professionally and ethically – Interpreters are bound by a code of professional conduct (linked) that includes confidentiality, neutrality, and professionalism for all parties involved.
Communicating via an Interpreter
What will in-person communication with my deaf student look like? Some people assume they need to speak louder or more slowly. Others overlook the reality that classroom communication can be fast-paced, complex, and nuanced, presenting a variety of challenges for the deaf student. Here is what you need to know and how you can help:
- Look at the student – Speak directly to, and maintain eye contact with the student (not the interpreter).
- Speak naturally – Speak at your natural pace and volume. Interpreters will ask you to repeat if needed.
- Provide space at the front of the room for the interpreter – To ensure the student has easy visual access to the instructor, interpreter, and any projected course content, the interpreter will sit or stand in a place that will be visually accessible.
- Provide visual lines of sight for the student – Remember that the student needs a line of sight between themselves and the interpreter, so don’t stand in front of the interpreter, though you may walk through this line of sight.
- Moderate classroom discussions – In group discussions encourage only one person to speak at a time to minimize overlapping conversations. Restating comments or questions from students sitting in the back is also helpful.
- Provide extra time for the student to process visual information – When the student needs to watch the interpreter and participate in visually-based class activities simultaneously, it is helpful to provide pauses to give the student time to focus on gathering visual information before moving on.
Other Considerations
Here are two final, important tips to include in your semester planning:
- Add interpreters to Canvas – Interpreters need course materials in advance (e.g. slide decks, syllabus, course schedule) so they can prepare to provide an accurate interpretation. Adding interpreter(s) to your Canvas course as “observers” will allow them to preview course materials and stay up to date with course announcements. Directions for manually adding someone to Canvas can be found here (linked).
- Request interpreters for additional activities – If an interpreter is needed for course activities outside of class time, please submit a request at least 2 business days in advance. You can create an interpreter request here (linked).
Every student appreciates being treated as an individual, and it’s no different for deaf students. It’s simple when you partner with sign language interpreters. Interpreters at Boise State see firsthand the positive impact instructors have when they take the time to focus on the individual and teach with accessibility in mind. If you have any questions about interpreting or accessibility, feel welcome to contact the Educational Access Center or directly connect with your Boise State staff interpreter at hollykohler@boisestate.edu.