Educational Interpreting

educational interpretingProviding inclusive access for all levels of education.

In or out of the classroom, ICS interpreters are ready to provide equal access for all levels of education and associated events. From lectures to ceremonies and all that falls between, ICS interpreters have you covered.

Never worked with an interpreter before? Don’t sweat it! We’ve included some helpful tips to ensure your inclusive experience goes smoothly. Still anxious? Reach out to a coordinator or ADA-specialist to ask a question or discuss how to prepare for your appointment.

Tips for Working with Educational Interpreters

  • Request educational interpreting services as soon as the Deaf, Deaf-blind, or hard-of-hearing consumer schedules an appointment. You are able to cancel most appointments 48-72 hours before the request date, so do not hesitate to request an interpreter as early as you receive notice.
  • Tips for using an educational interpreter:
    • Interpreters who work in educational settings are an essential member of the educational team. It is important to debrief with the interpreter as often as possible, provide worksheets and other materials ahead of time, and ensure that the interpreter has access to the student’s IEP.
    • The role of the interpreter is to provide access to all communication in the classroom. This includes dialogue amongst other students, teachers, and other professionals who interact with the Deaf or Hard of Hearing student. Educational interpreters are not teachers, nor are they paras. They should not be given any tasks other than interpreting.
  • In an educational setting, all interpreters are mandated reporters in concurrence with state regulations.
  • If you intend to show a video, ensure you have captions “on” or notify the interpreter in advance if captions are unavailable. Ensure the interpreter is well lit so they may interpret in lieu of captions. Ideally limit interpreted media to 15 minutes as it is fatiguing for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students to follow two visual sources of information.