Requirements for ASL Interpreting in a College Setting

For Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students in higher education, educational ASL interpreting services open doors to full participation in classes, discussions, and campus life. Without them, students miss critical information, creating unnecessary barriers to learning and hindering their success. Colleges have a legal duty to provide effective communication, but beyond compliance, offering skilled interpreters fosters an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

HIS Sign Interpreting provides highly qualified ASL interpreters with specialized experience in educational settings. Our certified Washington, DC, interpreters support Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students in K-12 schools and colleges, ensuring clear communication in classrooms, meetings, campus events, and beyond. Call (877) 458-7408 or visit our website today to learn how HIS Sign Interpreting can support your institution.

Below, we explore the requirements for hiring an educational interpreter: 

Hire Qualified Interpreters 

Colleges must hire qualified and certified interpreters to provide accurate and effective communication for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students. To accurately convey academic concepts, interpreters must possess strong ASL and English proficiency. Many institutions require certification through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) to verify competency.

Beyond certification, educational interpreters must have experience in academic settings and be adept at handling subject-specific terminology, rapid discourse, and diverse instructional styles. By prioritizing highly skilled professionals, colleges can uphold accessibility standards and support student success.

Advance Scheduling and Coordination 

Schools and their student disability access offices must prioritize scheduling interpreters in advance, as last-minute requests can be challenging to fulfill, potentially leaving Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students without necessary access. 

Additionally, arranging for interpreters to meet with professors beforehand allows them to review course materials, familiarize themselves with subject-specific terminology, and prepare for lectures. Clear communication between the college, student disability services, and the interpreter is crucial to ensuring each student’s success.

Proper Placement and Visibility

In the classroom or lecture hall, interpreters must be positioned within a clear line of sight so students can easily follow the instructor and the interpretation without obstruction. Colleges must consider factors such as lighting, seating arrangements, and classroom layout to prevent glare or visual distractions that could impede comprehension. 

Outside the classroom, colleges must incorporate interpreter positioning into event planning for activities such as graduation ceremonies, guest lectures, and panel discussions to guarantee full accessibility. Thoughtful placement ensures that interpreting services remain effective.

Team Interpreting for Extended Sessions 

Higher education institutions must anticipate the need for team interpreting during extended class sessions. Sign language interpreting is a physically demanding task, requiring continuous movement of the hands, arms, and facial expressions to convey meaning accurately. Additionally, the cognitive load is immense, as interpreters must process spoken content, interpret its meaning, and relay it in ASL. 

Sustaining this focus for long periods can lead to fatigue, compromising accuracy and clarity. To maintain high-quality interpretation, the industry standard dictates that assignments lasting 90 minutes or more, or those involving complex subject matter, require a team of interpreters who can rotate at regular intervals. 

Work With Certified Educational Interpreters and Translators in Washington, DC

With a commitment to accessibility and student success, HIS Sign Interpreting’s educational ASL interpreting services help schools create inclusive learning experiences. Whether on-site or remote, our Washington, DC, team delivers seamless interpreting resources tailored to the unique needs of academic environments. To learn more and request ASL services, call (877) 458-7408 today.