Disability Support Services arranges for American Sign Language Interpreters, TypeWell Transcribers, CART providers and Assistive Technology such as FM Listening Systems and equipment for displaying captioned video.

Students using American Sign Language Interpreters are encouraged to make their request to DSS with as much advance notice as possible to facilitate scheduling. Students must also sign an Interpreter Services Agreement form that outlines rights and responsibilities.

TypeWell or C-Print Transcribing

Communications Access Realtime Translation (CART)

A CART provider (trained as a court reporter or stenographer) uses a stenotype machine with a phonetic keyboard and special software. A computer translates the phonetic symbols into English captions almost instantaneously. The slight delay is based on the captioner's need to hear the word and computer processing time. Students using CART are encouraged to make their request to DSS with as much advance notice as possible to facilitate scheduling. Students must also sign a CART Services Agreement form that outlines rights and responsibilities.

DSS has Assistive Listening Devices that can be checked out by students to use on a semester by semester first come first served basis. These devices are used to amplify the professors voice. Some of these systems use a microphone that is placed on a desk or table to pick up sounds from the classroom while other systems have the instructor or professor wear a wireless microphone. Some systems use headphones while others transmit the amplified sounds directly to hearing aids.

Sometimes students also ask for recorders so that class lectures can be played back at a louder volume after class. Other times students ask that an optical overhead be used so that documents being read out loud in the classroom can be simultaneously viewed on screen.

If you have questions about these Assistive Technologies please contact DSS.