Disability Services

Interpreter Tip Sheet

The Disability Services office determines that the student is eligible for interpreting services. Here are some helpful tips working with an interpreter.

• The interpreter's role is to facilitate communication from English and ASL; they are not tutors or teacher aides.
• Interpreters are certified professionals hired by Salem State College.
• Speak naturally at a reasonable, modest pace, keeping in mind that the interpreter must listen and understand a complete thought before interpreting it to another language.
• The interpreter will wait 20 minutes for the student to arrive, if the student fails to show up the interpreter will leave.
• If the class is over two hours, a team of interpreters will work together and alternate every 20-30 minutes.
• Please make seating arrangements at the beginning of class.  The student may want to sit up front to see both the interpreter and instructor.
• Try to avoid talking while students are focused on written class work.  The student can't read and watch the interpreter at the same time.
• Captioned films and videotapes are strongly recommended to allow the student direct visual access to the information.
• Students may request a note taker during the class.