Requesting American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting Services

Intent: To provide services to students whose documented disability makes it necessary to receive American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting services.   

Accountability: The Department of Disability Services, the ADA/504 Coordinator and students who have selected to self-identify as a person with disability requesting disability related accommodations and support services.

Applicability: Students enrolled full or part time at Monmouth University and registered with DDS and approved for American Sign Language (ASL).

Definition:

• Business Day is defined as Monday–Friday, 8:45 a.m.–5 p.m.; weekend and holiday dates are not included.

Procedure:

Students requesting an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter for the first time must:

1. Register with the Department of Disability Services (DDS) and be approved for American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting services.

The following applies to all ASL classroom interpreting services:

Students are responsible to:

• Arrive to class approximately 10-15 minutes early to locate the ASL interpreter
• Meet the ASL interpreter and exchange email addresses and/or phone numbers. The ASL interpreter will use a Monmouth University issued email address and/or phone for all correspondence relating to ASL interpreter services.
• Students should determine if the Interpreter would be needed for in-class quizzes and exams. If so, student should submit a Test Room Booking through Accommodate and inform DDS if an Interpreter will be required for the testing period by sending an email to: dds@monmouth.edu.
• Inform DDS of any course changes by sending an email to DDS at dds@monmouth.edu as soon as possible
• Student must be present in class to receive ASL interpreting services.
  

The Department of Disability Services is responsible for:

• Working collaboratively with faculty and the ASL interpreter to secure a location within the classroom that provides the greatest access to course information without obstructing access for others.
• Attempting to accommodate late requests; however, fulfillment is not guaranteed. Requests placed less than five business days in advance of the date needed are considered late.
• Notifying students if the ASL interpreter request will be fulfilled utilizing a remote ASL interpreter (not physically in the class at time of service is provided).
• Considering student preferences for a specific ASL interpreter or method of service delivery whenever possible. However, there is no guarantee that a specific interpreter or service delivery method will be assigned to a particular class or activity. DDS secures and assigns ASL interpreters based on the following:
  • Type of the assignment (academic vs other);
  • Course format, content; and
  • Availability of an ASL interpreter for a particular course/event

Request for Services Outside Class:

Meetings with professors, academic advisors, university officials, campus events etc. require students to give DDS a minimum of five business days advance notice.  An effort will be made to fulfill requests made on short notice, with the understanding that Interpreter may not be available.

Attendance:

• Interpreters are not responsible for the student’s absence nor their academic responsibilities.
• Students must be present in class to receive the ASL interpreter services.
  1. Notify DDS if:
     1. You plan to be absent or miss a class or appointment. (72 hours in advance or as soon as possible)
     2. Your class/appointment is canceled. (as soon as possible)
     3. There will be a video shown in class. (10 business days in advance)
     4. You will be making a presentation. (10 business days in advance)
     5. Absence: If interpreting services have been requested, and you know that you will be unable to attend class, you must provide DDS with at least 24 hours advanced notice.  In some situations, students may not be able to provide 24 hours’ notice. In the case you will miss class due to an emergent issue such as illness. Please inform DDS as soon as possible.
  2. Failure to provide any advanced notice will be considered a “No-Show”. To give advance notice, a student must email the DDS Office at dds@monmouth.edu
     1. First “No-Show”: A letter or email will be sent to remind the student of the policy and appropriate procedures.
     2. Second “No-Show”: Services will automatically be temporarily suspended, and a letter or email will be sent to the student informing you of the policy and the appropriate procedure. Services will remain suspended until the student makes an appointment and meets with the Director of DDS to discuss reinstating services.
     3. For each subsequent “No-Show”: Services will automatically be suspended, and a letter or email will be sent to the student informing the student of the policy and the appropriate procedures. The services will remain suspended until the student makes an appointment and meets with the Director of DDS.  At that point, The Director will determine if/when services will be reinstated. 
  3. Interpreter Absence: If an Interpreter is unable to attend a class or appointment for any reason, DDS will attempt to find a replacement Interpreter. Please note that DDS may not be aware the Interpreter is absent, especially in unpredictable events such as car problems, traffic, weather conditions, etc. If an unforeseen event occurs, the student should tape record the lecture and provide DDS with the recording as soon as possible.  DDS/Information Management will have the lecture transcribed within a reasonable amount of time. The interpreter will be available to meet with the student and the faculty member as soon as possible to address any questions or issues.

Concerns Regarding Interpreter:

If you have concerns with your Interpreter, please contact DDS at dds@monmouth.edu to schedule an appointment.  Every reasonable effort will be made to resolve the problem(s) quickly and fairly.

Questions and Grievances:

If you have any questions about services, or about your rights and/or responsibilities, please contact the Department of Disability Services at 732-571-3460 or dds@monmouth.edu. If the student does not agree with the determination made by DDS, the student has the option to file an appeal with the ADA/504 Coordinator, which can be contacted through the office’s webpage.