Deaf Student Services
Fax: (405) 945-9127
okc.accessibility@okstate.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
- How will I know how to communicate with a student who is deaf or hard-of-hearing?
The deaf student will let you know his/her preferred method of communication, whether it is speaking, reading lips, gesturing, signing, writing, etc. Not all deaf/hard of hearing students know or use sign language. Do not assume the deaf/hard of hearing student prefers to use an interpreter when communicating.
- Can all deaf/hard of hearing people read lips and/or talk?
No, this is a common misconception. Some individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can read lips and/or talk, but others cannot.
- How do I talk to a deaf/hard of hearing student when there is an interpreter present?
The role of an interpreter is to facilitate communication between the deaf student and the non-signers. The interpreter will speak in first person as the deaf student. Please look directly at the student and face him/her when communicating or teaching. Again, speak directly to the deaf student. Also, an interpreter cannot relay a message from you to the deaf student that has missed a class.
- Why does the deaf/hard of hearing student look at the interpreter instead of me when
I am speaking to him/her?
The deaf student cannot hear you or read your lips. The student receives his/her information visually from the interpreter, not auditory like the hearing students.
- What kind of accommodations should I expect to see if a deaf/hard of hearing student
takes my class?
Accommodations may include one or more of the following:
- A request for all media materials (in class or on-line) be captioned,
- A Roger Pen (wire-less microphone),
- An interpreter or two,
- A class note taker (student volunteer),
- An in-class or remote CART provider (a certified CART provider listens to speech and instantaneously translates all the speech to text which is displayed on the deaf student’s laptop).
- Why can’t the deaf/hard of hearing student, who has an interpreter, watch a video
I show (short or long) without captioning?
It is difficult for a student to watch an interpreter and a video at the same time. Therefore, a majority of the information could be lost in translation. Sometimes a deaf/hard of hearing student may want to try and watch both the interpreter and video with captions.
- How do I contact the deaf/hard of hearing student outside of the classroom about assignments
or additional questions/concerns?
The easiest form would include email or text messaging. However, it is possible to call a student if you know his/her phone number with the help of a video relay service (videophone) that employs interpreters to assist with the communication process.
- Why do some of my deaf/hard of hearing students have problems with English grammar?
For most deaf individuals, American Sign Language (ASL) is their most preferred language. ASL is a native language with its own grammar, syntax and rules. Some deaf students try to write English using ASL. Therefore, written communication may look like “broken English”.
- Do all deaf people have deaf parents?
No, it is estimated that 10% of deaf persons come from deaf families, the other 90% are born into hearing families. Most often, for most of these hearing families, this will be their first introduction to deafness.
- I still have more questions. Who should I contact?If you have additional questions about working with deaf/hard of hearing students, the use of interpreters, captioning requirements, Computer-Aided Real-Time Transcription (CART), or assistive listening devices please contact Jeanette Buttram, Interpreter Coordinator, at jeanette.buttram@okstate.edu or (405) 945-3388.
Meet our Team
Chris Bingham
He/Him/His
Director
Disability Services & Diversity
P: 405-945-3385
F: 405-945-9127
Ashley Hallenback
She/Her/Hers
Diversity/Accessibility Resource Specialist
Disability Services and Diversity Office
P:405-945-3388
F: 405-945-9127