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 Office of Disability Support Services

INTERPRETER SERVICES GUIDELINES


GENERAL INFORMATION

As a student at Lansing Community College, you can receive classroom accommodations for any documented disability.

Delivery of services to students will emphasize the idea of teamwork.  Student, instructor, counselor, interpreter, note taker and tutor are all important members of the team.

Interpreters provide interpreting services for Deaf/Hard of hearing students.  The interpreter's function is to facilitate communication between Deaf/Hard of hearing students, instructors and students in the classroom.

REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

Every student receiving services from Disability Support Services must request accommodations every semester they are attending Lansing Community College.  This needs to be done as early as possible.  It could take up to two weeks for accommodations to be arranged.

To arrange for accommodations students need to make an appointment with the Coordinator of Interpreter Services by calling (517)483-1904 (voice) or email stairsk@lcc.edu.

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STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY WHEN USING INTERPRETER SERVICES

  1. Attend all classes regularly.
  2. a. Contact your interpreter by either email at c5interp@email.lcc.edu or the interpreter's LCC phone at (517)48305214, (voice only), (517)507-3989 VP or (866)949-1848 VP if you cannot attend a class or if you will be absent from all classes.

    b.  If you miss two classes in a row without contacting your interpreter, interpreter services will be put on hold until you contact the Coordinator of Interpreter Services at (517)267-5690 or email stairsk@lcc.edu.

  3. All course related questions should be directed to your instructor, not to your interpreter. The interpreter's role is to interpret for you and the instructor.

  4. Discuss technical signs or specialized vocabulary with your interpreter. If you do not understand a sign the interpreter has used, ask for clarification.

  5. Be on Time.
  6. a.  The interpreter will wait outside the classroom until you arrive. The interpreter will wait 10 minutes for a one-hour class, 15 minutes for a two or more hour class.

    b.  If you will be late, either e-mail your interpreter at c5interp@email.lcc.edu or call the Interpreter's LCC phone at (517)483-5214, (voice only), (517)507-3989 VP or (866)949-1848 VP to say what time you will arrive and the interpreter will meet you at that time.

  7. During exams and tests, questions should be directed only to your instructor. The interpreter will interpret your question and the instructor's response.


  8. If you have a difficult time understanding the interpreter, talk with the interpreter first.  If the issue is not resolved, you should bring your concerns to the Coordinator of Interpreter Services.

  9. If the interpreter does not show up:
  10. a.  Since emergencies do come up, please wait 15 minutes for the interpreter.

    b.  If the interpreter is late more than twice, contact the Coordinator of Interpreter Services at (517)267-5690 or stairsk@lcc.edu.
  11. Tutor requests
  12. a.  If you do not need an interpreter for tutoring, make your request directly to the Tutorial Office. Tutor requests should be made as soon as you have registered for classes.

    b.  If you need an interpreter for tutoring time, schedule tutors through the tutorial office and the Coordinator of Interpreter services or the interpreter for that class.

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SUCCESSFUL STUDENT TIPS

  1. Tutoring  --  This is for your benefit.  You must show up at your scheduled time and be prepared.

  2. Be prepared for class.
  3. a.  Have assignments prepared before class.
    b.  Have note taking paper ready, if you are using a note taker. It is your responsibility to pick up the paper at the Counseling & Advising front counter.
    c.  Pay attention to the lecture.
  4. If you have problems in class, see the instructor right away.


  5. If you have problems with accommodations, contact the Coordinator of Interpreter Services right away.

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INTERPRETERS

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Interpreters are hired to interpret/transliterate as accurately as possible.  To accomplish this, interpreters should convey message content, facial expressions, gestures and moods.

Interpreters are expected to view information conveyed during an interpreting session as confidential.  However, Interpreters may need to share classroom related issues with Disability Support Services (ODSS) staff on a "need to know" basis.  ODSS uses a team approach in the collaboration and sharing of work related information.  There will  be times when interpreters will share confidential information about students, work experiences and challenges for the purpose of improving the quality of ODSS services.

Interpreters will remain with students for the duration of each session for which they are scheduled.  If an instructor goes past the end of the class or if a student needs to talk with the instructor, the interpreter may stay if his/her schedule allows.

Interpreters are expected to direct questions from Deaf/Hard of hearing students to the instructor.  Questions from the instructor should be directed to the Deaf/Hard of hearing student.

INTERPRETER RESPONSIBILITIES

     1.  The Interpreter will:
           a.  Interpret lectures and classroom discussions.
           b.  Be on time.
           c.  Act in a professional manner.

     2.  The Interpreter will not:
           a.  Help the student "catch up" on materials missed.
           b.  Reteach the class.
           c.  Interpret during class breaks

OFFICE OF DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES (ODSS)

     The Coordinator of Interpreter Services will:

           a.  Assist students with scheduling of classes.
           b.  Provide educational advising.
           c.  Schedule interpreters
           d.  With the student's permission:
                -- Send mid-semester progress report.
           e.  Make referrals.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

     1.  Interpreters follow the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) code of
          Professional Conduct.  Situations may happen when it may be
          necessary for interpreters to share classroom information with other
          members of ODSS.

     2.  Students must meet with the Coordinator of Interpreter Services each
          semester to request interpreter services for your classes.  Students can
          call (517)483-1904 to make an appointment.

     3.  Students must notify the Coordinator of Interpreter Services
          (517-267-5690 V/TTY) or e-mail stairsk@lcc.edu of any changes to
          your class schedule.  For example, dropping or adding a class.

     4.  Students from the LCC Interpreter Training Program (ITP) may be
           placed in your class to observe the Interpreter and/or do some
           interpreting.  These students are there observing the interpreting
           process.  If there is a problem or concern, students should talk with
           their interpreter.

     5.  Students should contact the Coordinator of Interpreter Services
           (517-267-5690 V/TTY) or e-mail stairsk@lcc.edu if they have any
          questions about this information.

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Office of Disability Support Services - Phone: 517-483-1904 - Contact  Us