Deaf Services
Iowa Western Community College provides sign language interpreters for deaf or hard-of-hearing students or community members who enroll in both credit and continuing education classes.
Requesting an Interpreter
If you need to arrange an interpreter for a college-sponsored activity contact the Disability Accommodations Specialist. Because of limited availability, interpreters often need to be reserved weeks in advance, so make arrangements as far in advance as is feasible. We ask that students or community members who request interpreters provide at least a 24-hour notice that they will not be in class or able to make it to the event unless it is an unforeseeable emergency.
Note Taking For Students Using INterpreters
In addition to a sign language interpreter, students also have the option of using a notetaker in their classes to assist with record lecture information so that the deaf or hard-of-hearing student can more easily focus on the lecture. Typically, notetakers are student volunteers in the class.
Using an Interpreter: Student Responsibliities
Students are responsible for getting to their classes on time. Students should be aware that interpreters are required to wait 15 minutes for classes up to 90 minutes long and 30 minutes for classes longer than 90 minutes. Students are responsible for notifying the Disability Accommodations Specialist at least one day prior to missing the class (except in the case of an emergency). To give notification of an absence contact:
| Director of Student Assistance | 325-3390 (V/TTY) |
| Disability Accommodations Specialist | 325-3281 (V/TTY) |
| Interpreter's Office | 325-3281 (V only) |
| Iowa Relay | 1-800-735-2942 |
| Nebraska Relay | 1-800-833-7352 |
- For interpreter requests outside of regularly scheduled class times, students are to submit a written request to the Lead Interpreter one week prior to the event (or as soon as they are aware of the need).
- If the student has a problem with an interpreter or wants to make a complaint, the student should discuss such issues with the Disability Accommodations Specialist as soon as possible.
- If the student is late for class and the interpreter is not there, he or she must notify the Student Assistance Office.
- If the interpreter has not shown up at the start of class, the student must immediately notify the instructor and ask him/her to call the Student Assistance Office.
- The Three Absence Rule - If a student is going to miss a class, he or she is required to notify the assigned interpreter or Disability Accommodations Specialist. A student who accumulates three consecutive absences in a class without providing such notification may have their interpreting services suspended. The student’s services will only be reinstated after a scheduled meeting with the Director of Student Assistance takes place. For each no-show afterwards, interpreting services may be suspended for the remainder of the term.
- Students must not visit with their interpreter during class time. All questions about the course must be directed to the instructor through the interpreter.
- Students may ask their instructor to have all tests interpreted/transliterated, if necessary. In addition, if students do not understand a word or a question, the interpreter will direct their question towards the teacher.
- In order to receive interpreting services for supplemental activities related to a particular course (i.e., field trips, special lectures or organization meetings), the student must submit a written request to the Disability Accommodations Specialist at least a week in advance.
- Students are responsible for their own studies, homework, assignments, etc. If the student is having trouble in class, he or she should see the instructor with an interpreter. If students need tutoring, note taking, or other support services, they should contact the Director of Student Assistance for help.