Our interpreting team provides designated interpreting and translation services exclusively for Deaf faculty in the ASL Program, supporting their teaching, research, service, and professional activities across campus. Services include classroom interpreting, committee and university meetings, translation, captioning, and other assignments that ensure full participation in IU’s academic environment.

General Guidance for Interpreting Services

If you’re new to requesting or arranging interpreting services, below are key considerations for ensuring accessibility and inclusion for Deaf and hard-of-hearing (HoH) participants at events.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the hosting entity (either within or external to IU) is responsible for ensuring equal access for all attendees. This includes contacting, coordinating, and covering the costs associated with providing interpreting services, if applicable.

General information about accessibility and accommodations can be found at ADA at Indiana University.

Because our interpreters are dedicated to ASL Program faculty, we cannot provide services for other campus needs. However, we can guide you in securing appropriate access services, including sharing our list of interpreters on IU’s approved vendor list and explaining the steps for arranging qualified interpreters.

Please note: our team is small, and our schedules fill quickly. If we are not available, your department, unit, or organization will need to arrange alternative interpreting services.

Whether your event is hosted within IU or externally, the following guidance applies:

• Your entity is responsible for providing accommodations/accessibility (which may mean interpreting services) under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please see ADA Requirements: Effective Communication | ADA.gov for additional information.

• For events involving the Deaf ASL Program faculty, our interpreting team may be able to provide interpreting services for your event. If a faculty member of the ASL Program has indicated they will attend your event and has requested interpreters, please submit the Interpreting and Translation Request Form so our designated interpreting team can coordinate services for those faculty members contingent on our Please provide relevant materials (agenda, slides, speeches, activities) via aslterp@iu.edu once your request is confirmed.

• Some events may require multiple interpreting teams. If other Deaf participants will attend your event alongside ASL Program faculty, your unit or entity is responsible for arranging additional interpreting services. We can collaborate on planning multiple teams as needed.
• Our team is available to provide guidance, recommend approved vendors, and clarify what high-quality interpreting looks like.
• If you are a Deaf/HoH student or you are coordinating interpreting services for a student, please contact the Accessible Education Services Office for more information.