Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Communication needs vary among people with hearing loss. Although some may use assistive listening devices, rely on lip-reading, or utilize ASL interpreters it is important to consider the following when interacting with a D/HH student. 

• Maintain eye contact and ensure adequate lighting for the individual to lip-read. 
• Visual resources or written materials can aid in relying your message. 
• Speak at a normal rate and volume as over enunciating speech will distort mouth movements therefore making it more difficult to read. 

A sign language interpreter may be necessary to convey the oral message to a DHH student. When working with an ASL interpreter address the DHH individual directly. The interpreter uses the student’s preferred mode of communication to ensure communication access. Interpreting services are arranged by the Coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in Disability Services. Students may use ASL interpreters for all academic-related activities and other university sponsored events. 

Video Relay Services are a form of Telecommunications Relay Service that enables persons with hearing loss who use American Sign Language to communicate with voice telephone users through video equipment, rather than through typed text. VRS is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission to promote access to telecommunications services for people with disabilities. 

Some people hang up on Video Relay calls because they think the communications assistant is a telemarketer. If you hear, "Hello. This is the relay service…" when you pick up the phone, please don't hang up! The voice on the phone is a communication assistant (an ASL interpreter) through a TRS provider, to a person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, or has a speech disability.

All requests for an ASL interpreter must be requested through the Coordinator for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services by submitting the online Interpreter Request Form.

• Deaf/HH students registered with the Office of Disability Services are eligible for interpreting services for all academic and university-sponsored events. 
• Departments may request an interpreter using the online request form. 
• Members of the public who would like to request an ASL interpreter for a university-sponsored event should contact the department sponsoring the event to request an interpreter. 

Requests should be made as far in advance as possible, but at least three business days in advance of the requested date of services. Last-minute requests cannot be guaranteed, though attempts will always be made to secure interpreter/captioning services.  

Interpreter Request Form 

• Managing Automated Captioning for Zoom Meetings 
• Generating Audio Transcription for Cloud Recordings 

• Texas Workforce Commission DHH Tuition Waiver 
• Video Relay Services 

• Texas Association of the Deaf 
• National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes 

Apply to become an SFA ASL Interpreter 
 

Qualifications:

• In order to be considered for this position, applicant must apply online. Must include unofficial transcript with application. Supplemental materials may be attached when applying. Must have completed 9 college credit hours, with an overall 2.5 GPA or equivalent experience as an ASL interpreter.
   
• Graduation from high school or equivalent required; experience is required, evaluation of interpreting skills by Interpreter Coordinator will be completed; must be able to coordinate with the personal and academic schedule of the students with disabilities for whom the services will be provided; ability to establish effective working relations is required, as are patience and courteousness; must be able to maintain confidentiality.