Deaf and Hard of Hearing Student Handbook

 

Dear Student,

Welcome to the Disability Resource Center (DRC)! The DRC staff is pleased to assist students in achieving their educational and vocational goals.

Welcome to the Utah State University Disability Resource Center (DRC).  In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, we remain committed to facilitating student success both academically and personally.  The DRC will assist students in receiving equal access to all services, classes, and events at USU.  We provide a variety of services tailored to meet the needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.  DRC counselors will create individualized communication plans designed to support students in achieving their fullest academic potential.
   

Admittance
Qualified persons with disabilities must meet USU admissions standards.  Qualified applicants with disabilities will not be denied admission solely on the basis of their disability. It is not necessary, nor recommended, that students disclose their disability in the application process.  Once admitted, students with disabilities requiring accommodations must contact the DRC to register for these services. In order to receive services or accommodations for a disability, the student must furnish appropriate documentation.

Documentation
Documentation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students must demonstrate a substantial limitation to one or more major life activities. The Disability Resource Center takes a flexible approach to documentation requirements for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, recognizing each student's unique circumstances.

Current documentation addressing level of functioning provides the foundation for determining appropriate accommodations.  Qualified professions such as physicians and/or audiologists (impartial and non-related) must provide their name, title, and credentials.  Collaboration between the professional service provider and the student will facilitate determining appropriate accommodations.
 
The following guidelines provide a basis for suitable documentation:

  • A clear statementof deafness or hearing loss, with an audiogram, reflecting the currentfunctional impact/limitations of the hearing loss on one (or more) major life activity and the degree to which it impacts the individual in the learning context for which accommodations are requested.
  • A narrative summary of assessment procedures, evaluation instruments and evaluation results (if appropriate).
  • A statement regarding the use of hearing aids (if appropriate).

 

Services cannot be provided until the documentation has been submitted to the DRC.  Submit documentation to your assigned DRC counselor at the time of the intake appointment or fax to (435) 797- 0130.

**Students with additional disabilities please refer to the coinciding section of the Student Handbook for specific documentation guidelines**

Confidentiality of Disability and Personal Related Information
The DRC will share disability documentation with academic departments or agencies in accordance with State and Federal regulations. For example, the DRC may share information in order to advocate for an appropriate service or accommodation, when there is a direct threat to self or others or if there is a concern related to child or elderly abuse.  Because medical information is not released once it is placed in the student file, students should keep a copy of their documentation for their records. Each student will be provided a RED folder to keep disability documentation and other pertinent information.

In accordance with the RID/Utah Code of Professional Conduct, interpreters keep all assignment related information strictly confidential.  The DRC takes a collaborative team approach in providing the best possible services.  Work related information may be shared within the D/HH services team and with other campus staff on a “need to know basis" in order to improve the quality of services. 

Accommodations
Accommodations are determined when the DRC counselor and the student meet to discuss the student's needs. Primarily, these are based on the documentation received. While this is not an exhaustive list, accommodations for a Deaf or Hard of Hearing student may include:

  • Interpreter (live or via VRI)  or Transcription during class lectures
  • Notetaker
  • Preferred seating
  • Visual aids
  • Copies of PowerPoint slides in advance
  • Speaker repeating the questions other students ask in the class
  • Assistive Listening Device (ALD) such as an fm system

 

Submit accommodation requests with specific class information (times, days, locations) to your DRC counselor during priority registration. Students seeking communication access via transcription, sign language interpreters, or CART services should meet with the Deaf Services Coordinator several weeks prior to the beginning of the semester to discuss their needs.  Requests are considered in order of submission.  Requests received less than two weeks before classes start have a reduced chance of being filled.  When requested, an interpreter or transcriber will be assigned to each of your classes.

The DRC will provide services in accordance with state and federal law.  Every effort will be made to locate a qualified interpreter or transcriber.  If one is not available, you will be notified and given the opportunity to meet with your DRC counselor to discuss alternate forms of accommodation.
** USU has the technology making it possible to provide certified interpreters via Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) in the event that a local qualified interpreter is not available.**

Interpreter/transcriber scheduling:
Student preference for interpreters is considered along with these considerations:

  • Interpreter/Transcriber availability and skill level
  • Registration date (i.e. schedules received during priority registration)
  • Low vs. high demand times
  • Course content
  • Student class standing
  • Academic department scheduling issues
  • Availability of alternative course sections
  • Academic vs. nonacademic content
  • Other considerations made on a case by case basis with the involvement of the student

 

Student Responsibilities
Students receiving DRC services maintain the same responsibility for academic standards, attendance, participation, and behavior as is required of all students by the department/university.

  • Self-identify to the DRC and provide documentation of disability.
  • Students are responsible to request the services they need each semester. 
  • Submit accommodation requests with complete schedule to the DRC during priority registration (or at least 2 weeks prior to the first day of classes).
  • Make all requests for Interpreting/Transcribing services in writing directly to the DRC Counselor. 
  • Notify the DRC immediately of any schedule changes including class cancellations as well as room or time changes.
  • Each student must take the initiative to use support services in a responsible and productive manner.
  • When missing a class please inform the DRC so the interpreter/transcriber can be notified.  Missing three consecutive classes requires an appointment with the DRC counselor to discuss continuation of services.
  • Arrive on time. The interpreter/transcriber is not responsible to wait beyond 15 minutes for a 50-minute class and 5 minutes for every additional 30 minutes of the class.
  • Should the accommodations not meet the student's needs, or if any other problems or concerns arise, report this immediately to the DRC counselor so adjustments can be made where appropriate.
  • If a problem arises with your interpreter, transcriber, or notetaker please discuss it with that individual first.  If the problem is not resolved go to your DRC counselor.  (see link to the DRC grievance policy if the issue continues).
  • Submit timely (as soon as you know) requests for additional accommodations i.e.: interpreter or transcriber for special events such as special speakers, extra class sessions, or study groups.  At least a 24-hour notice is required. Should an interpreter be requested for a cultural event such as a play, a 2-week notice is appreciated.  Every effort is made to fill all requests and to provide a back-up mode of communication when an interpreter is not available. 
  • For voice presentations, work out details with your interpreter in advance.
  • Interpreters are not responsible to provide information missed while the student is not paying attention i.e. falling asleep, reading newspaper, or text messaging during class and may rest their hands until the student begins to pay attention.
  • The interpreter/transcriber/notetaker is not a substitute for class attendance.
  • Students are responsible for coursework and to know the materials and information presented both in and out of the classroom.  Each student is ultimately responsible for his or her academic success or failure. 
  • Read and understand the D/HH and DRC Student Handbooks.

 

USU DRC
0101 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-0101
Fax: (435) 797-0130
                                                       
Email:   angie.olsen@usu.edu
Tel: (435) 797-2444                                                                       
Pager:  4357554884@myairmail.com
Toll-Free: (800) 259-2965

LINKS:

DRC Student Handbook
Accommodation Request Form
DRC Interpreter Handbook (for information on standards followed by USU interpreters)
D/HH Faculty Handbook
Grievance Policy

Please feel free to contact the DRC with any other questions at:
(435) 797-2444.

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