Students utilizing interpreter services at Cal Poly Pomona are required to read and sign a copy of the Policies for Using Interpreter Services form.

Sign Language and oral interpreters are provided for hearing-impaired students upon request. All interpreters through Disabled Student Services are trained professionals. They provide a visual, gesture communication link and will facilitate communication for any interaction between the professor and student. They interpret lectures, class discussions and student/professor meetings when needed. They voice any questions or comments the Deaf student may want to initiate, if the student needs that assistance. The interpreter's role is to facilitate communication. Interpreters will translate everything exactly as you say it, including jokes and profanity. Interpreters strictly adhere to a Code of Ethics which maintains that interpreters cannot interject their personal feelings or opinions.

Because of the strain of watching an interpreter for long periods of time, and the physical demands experienced by the interpreter, if the class is more than an hour and a half in length, it is mandatory that a ten minute break be observed by the interpreter at 50 minutes in the lecture. It is requested that professors give a break to the entire class so that the student does not miss out on information. This is a reasonable accommodation and is beneficial to the entire class. If a class break is not given, the interpreter will still need a break to avoid physical injury.

The interpreter can usually keep up, but if the pace is rapid or there are multiple speakers, the interpreter may ask for information to be repeated.

The interpreter is required to sit in the front of the classroom as close to the professor as possible, facing the hearing impaired student. This is the most effective way to facilitate communication so the student is in view of both the interpreter and the professor.

If possible, an interpreter would prefer to sit in a straight back chair. Interpreting in a desk is uncomfortable and it impedes the interpreter's ability to Sign adequately. Assistance in locating a chair would be appreciated if one is not available in the classroom.