SDAC coordinates services for D/deaf and hard of hearing students, faculty, staff, and visitors for University-sponsored courses, programs, meetings, and events. Read more about each of the services and how to request accommodations below:
Request a D/deaf or Hard of Hearing Accommodation
Our goal is to provide effective communication access. Accommodation decisions are made through an individualized assessment that considers appropriate documentation, the individual's reported needs, and the specific communication environment.
- Student
Students who are D/deaf or Hard of Hearing, please complete the SDAC Student Application Process or email SDAC to set up a meeting with the D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Coordinator.
- Faculty/Staff
Faculty or staff in need of American Sign Language Interpreting, Captioning, or other D/deaf or Hard of Hearing disability-related accommodation should refer to the Procedures for Employees with Disabilities to Request Workplace Accommodations. Faculty and staff should also contact their department’s Employee Relations Consultant.
Faculty/staff who receive a request for American Sign Language interpreter or closed captioning as it pertains to a disability for an event they are hosting should please complete one or both of the following request forms:
- American Sign Language Request Form (NetBadge login required)
- Captioning Request Form (NetBadge login required)
- Visitor
To request disability-related accommodation for an event or meeting, please first reach out to the event organizer or email SDAC. Some requests require time to arrange, so the more advanced notice provided, the better. When submitting a request please include the following information:
- Title of event
- Date
- Time (start and end times)
- Nature of Request (meeting, conference, presentation, tour, etc.)
- Location (building and room)
- Person requesting service (if different from self)
Sign Language Interpreting
A Sign Language Interpreter translates spoken English into American Sign Language, and vice versa, allowing individuals who are D/deaf or Hard of Hearing to effectively communicate with hearing people in various settings.
- Scheduling
Scheduling certified, qualified interpreters requires planning and preparation. There is a high demand for these services and a limited number of service providers. SDAC recommends including an access or accommodations statement on all event materials to ensure interpreters are available for those who require:
“For questions about accessibility, or to request accommodations for this event, please contact [name] at [phone] or [e-mail]. Requests should be made at least [specific time period] prior to the event.”
When scheduling, the more notice, the better. Requests made with little advance notice may result in partial or no services being available.
- Events in Short Duration (i.e., class presentation, informational session) - At least two weeks' notice
- Events in Long Duration (i.e., conferences, seminars)- At least a month's notice
- Course/class Interpretation- At least six weeks' notice
In order to provide quality services in a timely manner, please complete the ASL Request Form (Netbadge Required). Alternatively, requestors may email SDAC the following information: Requestor’s name, phone number, and email address; Date, time and duration of the class, event, or meeting.
Interpreter fees typically include 2-hour minimums, travel time, and preparation time. It is standard practice for two or more interpreters to be present for events lasting longer than one hour. Cancellation fees may also apply for late cancellations or no-shows.
- Location of the class, event, or meeting
- Brief description of the class, event, or meeting
- Name of professor, speaker, or event organizer
- Interpreting Considerations
- Provide preparation materials that may help the interpreter(s), such as event schedules, PowerPoint slides, handouts, or other written materials used during the event.
- It is standard practice for two or more interpreters to be present for events lasting longer than one hour. The interpreter team prevents mental fatigue, ensures accuracy, and provides support to the other interpreter.
- Seating: Arrangements for a designated space for the interpreters and the attendee(s) will be necessary. Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals rely heavily on visual information and need a clear line of sight to the interpreters and the speakers of the event. Please reserve seating so their view is not obstructed.
- It is crucial for the interpreters to have full auditory access to the event. For larger events and events outside, this may require an in-the-ear monitor that can be arranged with A/V technicians.
- Please plan to make the interpreter(s) aware of any parking considerations.
- Additional Resources
- Sign Language Interpreters in the Classroom from National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes
- Tips for Communicating with Employees who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing from National Technical Institute for the Deaf Center on Employment
- Virginia Department of Education Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Captioning & Transcription
Captioning and transcription of video and audio content provides viewers with additional ways to access content. It helps to remove miscommunications that may arise from differences in:
- Hearing ability,
- Processing ability,
- Listener's primary language,
- Speaker accent, and/or
- Audio quality.
- Scheduling
In order to provide quality services in a timely manner, please complete the Captioning Request Form (Netbadge Required) or email [email protected]. The form guides the captioning team to better understand the requestor's post-production captioning/transcription and/or live real-time captioning needs.
- Additional Information
Visit the UVA’s Captioning and Transcription page for additional information on Captioning. Visit UVA's Academic Captioning Project to learn more about the centrally funded effort to encourage the provision of accurate captions and transcripts for recorded academic course content.
Assistive Listening Systems
Assistive listening systems (ALS) help people with hearing loss hear and understand speech more clearly by reducing the effects of distance, background noise, and poor room acoustics.
Personal Assistive Listening Systems: Portable devices used by an individual, such as remote microphones or FM systems that transmit sound directly to a hearing aid, cochlear implant, or receiver.
Room/Public Assistive Listening Systems: Installed systems, such as hearing loops, FM, systems, or Auracast systems, that provide clear audio access throughout a classroom, auditorium, conference room, or other designated area for multiple users simultaneously.
The most effective assistive listening solution depends on the individual's hearing needs and the listening environment. Each system offers different features, benefits, and installation considerations that should be carefully assessed. A comparison of some of the technologies can be found in the IHLMA (International Hearing Loop Manufacturers Association) Comparison Document [PDF].
Hearing Loop is available in a number of classrooms and other venues across UVA Grounds.
Other Accommodations
Other examples of accommodations include:
- Preferential seating
- Notetaking services
- Other accommodations as appropriate