The student is responsible for making Interpreter requests. Please complete this form if you would like an Interpreter for any class, class activity, TSC meeting, appointment, consultation or session. Please complete this form at least 5 business or school days prior to the date and time of your request. Guidelines for Requesting and Utilizing Interpreter Services: By Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, no qualified student with a documented disability shall, based on the disability, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any academic program or activity at Tallahassee State College. TSC will provide, at no direct cost to the student, interpreter services for classes, related academic requirements, and non-academic out-of-class activities sponsored by the college. Request for Interpreter Services At the time of the first request, each student will meet with a SAS staff member in the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office to discuss their needs and to complete an interpreter request form. Students needing interpreter services are encouraged to register during the early registration period. Students are encouraged to finalize their schedules well in advance of the first-class day, allowing interpreters to be scheduled according to student preference and interpreter availability. SAS Student Accessibility Advisors will assist with arranging schedules and with registration, if needed. Requests for interpreters must be submitted to the SAS office as soon as possible after completing class registration. Students are encouraged to submit any non-classroom interpreter requests at least five business days in advance, but more notice is preferable. Interpreter coverage for last-minute requests cannot be guaranteed; however, every effort will be made to find suitable coverage. All interpreting services must be requested through the SAS office, including meetings with professors or group meetings with other students for projects or assignments. "No Shows" or Class Cancellations Students and interpreters should notify the SAS office at least 24 hours in advance if they will not be in class due to illness. If scheduled interpreting services are not needed, or if the student is canceling for reasons other than illness, then the student is required to notify the SAS office at least 48 hours in advance. After three student "no shows" during one semester (if a class is missed three times without 24 hours of advance notification, interpreting services may be canceled. The student must then meet with a Student Accessibility Advisor to explain why the absences are occurring and to determine how they will be avoided in the future to have interpreter services reinstated. Late Arrival When a student is not present at the beginning of class, the interpreter will wait outside the classroom for 15 minutes. If the student does not arrive within the allotted time, this will be considered a "no-show," and the interpreter will leave. The interpreter will notify the SAS immediately of a "no show." Final Exam Week During final exam week, all interpreter services are requested only. If a student would like an interpreter for a final exam, they should contact the SAS office and request an interpreter at least two weeks in advance. If a student is exempt from a final exam, the student should contact the SAS office a week before final exams to inform the office that they do not have to take their exam. Monitoring of Interpreters Students and the SAS office will evaluate interpreters at the end of each semester. If the student is not satisfied with the interpreter service or if the interpreter wishes to be replaced, the SAS office should be contacted as soon as the problem arises so that appropriate action may be taken. Interpreter's Role The interpreter's role is to facilitate communication between deaf students and hearing individuals in the students' educational environment. If the student talks with other students during class, the interpreter may voice the conversation. The interpreter cannot answer a student's question during class. If the student has a question, they should raise their hand. The interpreter will speak on behalf of the student if requested. The interpreter cannot participate in the class. Students should not socialize with interpreters while they are on the job. Interpreters will keep all information confidential.
If I need to cancel or change this appointment, I will contact the Student Accessibility Services Office via my student email account at SAS@tcc.fl.edu at least 72 hours (3 business or school days) prior to the scheduled appointment. I understand that the SAS Office will make every effort to provide an Interpreter for this appointment.
*By Electronically signing this form, I am acknowledging that I have read and understand this document and agree to alll conditions provided.