Procedures for Requesting Sign Language Interpreters for University-Sponsored Events

Op5.05-4 Requesting an Interpreter for Campus-Sponsored Events

The following procedure is to be used by University units when requesting sign language interpreters as an accommodation for University-sponsored events and services of a non-academic nature for faculty, staff, students, and members of the public. This procedure was developed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which has set forth guidelines to ensure that programs, services, and activities are accessible to people with disabilities.

University-sponsored events and services include, but are not limited to, sponsored student organizations, as defined by the Office of Student Engagement, performing arts venues, athletics, residence halls, as well as departmental events and services such as medical and clinical services. Any department or organization that generates revenue as a result of the services they provide will be responsible for funding interpreting services. If you have questions regarding departmental responsibility, please contact the Disability Resource Center for more information.

When a request for a sign language interpreter is made to the department hosting the event, the Disability Resource Center should be contacted with the following information: date and time of event, location of event, type of event, duration of event, contact name and phone number for the department requesting services. Upon receipt of this information, services will be scheduled and confirmed with the requesting department. Should the person requesting services contact the Disability Resource Center directly, a staff member will take the request and notify the department hosting the event. Once the host department has been notified of the request, services will be arranged and confirmed with the department.

In compliance with the regulations set forth by the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Missouri State University will employ only those interpreters that are licensed by the State of Missouri and certified by the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at an Intermediate (3), Advanced (4), or Comprehensive (5) level. Based on the type of event for which services are requested, the Disability Resource Center will determine the appropriate level of certification.

Payment for services is the responsibility of the department sponsoring the event or service. At the time of request, the sponsoring department will be asked to provide their budget number in order for the Disability Resource Center to submit an internal billing request to Financial Services. The Disability Resource Center will determine the rate of payment based on the University standard rate. For additional information on University pay rates for interpreting services, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 417-836-4192. Event duration, content, and number of audience members will determine the number of interpreters needed. Travel time is paid to those interpreters traveling more than 30 miles one way. There is a two-hour minimum paid for all assignments.

It is recommended that each department give a three business day notice, when possible, to ensure that quality services can be provided. However, any requests from a performing arts venue should be made at least one week prior to the performance, if possible, in order to provide adequate preparation time for the interpreters. It is recommended that all event publicity include the following suggested working for accommodation requests: To request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact [hosting department] at least three business days/one week in advance.

The Disability Resource Center is responsible for arranging and funding interpreting services for Missouri State University students for situations in which academic credit is received. Please see the Accommodation Policy on our web site for more information. University employees with a disability who require accommodations for employment should refer to Section 2.3 Disability and Reasonable Accommodation in the Missouri State University Employee Handbook.