Frequently Asked Questions
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General

Q. Do I need to request services each every semester?

A. Yes for every semester you take USF classes. Within the first two (2) weeks, fill out and submit a Request for Accommodation Form. After a few days, pick up the Accommodation Memos and deliver to your professors.

Q. What should I do if I decide to Add/Drop a class?

A. First, discuss your situation with your academic advisor. Secondly, contact SDS coordinator to notify of your decision to add or drop class and proper accommodations can be made or services terminated.

Q. How do I get a Note Taker?

A. Students with significant motor, hearing, or processing deficits use note takers. This service is intended to augment the student's class attendance, not supplant it. The best services for the student are obtained by hiring another student enrolled in the same class through the SDS office. Professors are asked to assist the student with identifying a note taker. The person selected as note taker should come to the office and register with Ms. Debra Smith letting her know of the preference to be paid or receive a letter of commendation at the end of the semester.

Q. What are Transcription Services?

A. Transcription services are available for students who tape classes and need hard copies of classroom lectures. Students bring tapes to SDS office. SDS coordinator will communicate with the transcriptionist.

Students with hearing impairments

Q. What accommodations are available for students who are deaf or hard of hearing?

1. Interpreter Services
2. Real-Time Captioning
3. FM Transmitters
4. Transcription Services
5. Note Taker Services
6. C-Print

Q. What are Interpreter Services?

A. These are services for students who are deaf or hearing impaired who request sign-language/oral interpreters through the SDS coordinator. Interpreters will be provided for students enrolled in academic courses, advising, and out-of class meetings with professors, class projects and other academically related or required activities. Continuing students are requested to take advantage of early registration and notify the office of their interpreter needs for the upcoming semester as early as possible. Currently, the University contracts independent interpreters who are nationally certified. In order to assure interpreter availability, students are requested to notify the SDS coordinator 5 working days in advance of their need for an out of class interpreter assignment.

Q. How does Real-Time Captioning work?

A. Real-time- captioning of class lecture may be an appropriate accommodation in place of an interpreter in courses where group or class discussion is the primary class format and the student does not know American Sign Language. Students wishing to schedule a real-time captioner for a class are requested to follow the same procedures as used when requesting a sign language interpreter.

Q. What are FM Transmitters?

A. FM Transmitters (worn by the instructor) and receiver (worn by the student) are used to amplify the instructor’s voice.

Q. What is C- Print?

A. C-Print is a new service similar to Real -Time- Captioning that is primarily used for students who do not know ASL and the class format is discussion. The student has a lap top computer connected to a lap top computer used by the transcriptionist. The student receives classroom information in real time.

Q. How do I request interpreters?

A. Students who are deaf or hard of hearing can request sign-language interpreters through Students with Disabilities Services (SDS), SVC 1133 at 974-5651 (TDD) or 974-4309 (Voice).

Q. What if I can’t make it to class?

A. Notify the SDS office in advance of any scheduled class absence so that we may notify the appropriate interpreter and not incur the expense. In case of an emergency, notify the office as soon as possible.

Q. If I am going to be late for class how long will the interpreter wait?

A. The interpreter will wait 20 minutes for a 1:15 hour class and 30 minutes for a 2:00 hour or more class.

Q. What if the interpreter does not show?

A. Notify the SDS office immediately if an interpreter does not show for a scheduled assignment.

Q. What should I do if I can't understand the interpreter?

A. Talk with the interpreter about your preferred style of communication. If things do not change, inform the SDS coordinator if you are having difficulty understanding or communicating with the interpreter. Contracted interpreters are certified at the QA II level or higher, however, some classes may have course content or a difficulty level that requires additional skills.

Q. How do I get an interpreter for last minute class related activities? (Example: Group meetings, study sessions, teacher meetings. etc.)

A. Contact SDS for interpreter services as soon as possible.

Q. Is it ok if the class interpreter does it?

A. Yes, but notify the SDS coordinator as soon as you can - either before or after the activity.

Q. How much time in advance do I need to get approval for regular class related activities?

A. Five (5) school days in advance.

Q. How do I get interpreter service for non-related activities? (Ex. Club meetings, career counseling, etc.)

A. Plan ahead as much as possible and contact the Equal Opportunity Affairs office at 974-3970 for those activities.