In order for a student to receive the Interpreter Accommodation, they must:
- Be registered with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS).
- Be registered for this accommodation based on their needs, and have it documented in their accommodation letter.
- Communicate with the professor that they intend to use their accommodations in the course.
Professors will first be alerted via the student's accommodation letter sent by OARS each semester. If the student is registered for Interpreter it will be stated in the student's accommodation letter as follows:
Accommodation letter text: "The student will be using an ASL interpreter in this class. OARS will work with the student to arrange an interpreter prior to the start of the course."
OARS Responsibility | Student Responsibility | Faculty Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
Determine eligibility for providing an interpreter prior to class accommodation. Send an accommodation letter in a timely manner. OARS will arrange interpreters for the student's courses through an interpreting service. OARS will communicate directly with the interpreting service any changes to the course schedule. OARS will also address any concerns the student has with an interpreter with the interpreting company to resolve issues. OARS will also work with the interpreting company to arrange any logistics needed for the interpreter (i.e. technology for Virtual Remote Interpreting or access to course material.) | The student must request the use of an interpreter by emailing accessibility-services@bethel.edu. The request must specify which courses they would like an interpreter for. The student must submit a request a minimum of 5 days in advance to ensure an interpreter can be secured. The student should communicate to OARS any changes to their schedule, class cancellations, or concerns regarding the interpreters. | The faculty should provide the interpreter with Moodle access if requested. OARS will reach out to faculty if this is needed. |
Accommodation application in an online setting: This accommodation is available for both online and face-to-face courses. In face-to-face courses, the interpreter is present in the course. For online courses, Virtual Remote Interpreting (VRI) is used.
Note: OARS also provides students with interpreters for Bethel events. The student should follow the same process to request an interpreter for events as for courses. OARS also works with students to arrange interpreting services for academic-related off-campus events such as plays or conferences.
Qualification for accommodation: Interpreters is considered an appropriate accommodation for students with physical disabilities that limit or prohibit their ability to complete written assignments.