Interpreting

To begin the process of requesting communication access accommodations for academic courses and related events, deaf or hard-of-hearing students must first apply for Disability Support Program and Services (DSPS) and meet with their DSPS counselor to initialize requests. 

Request Interpreting Services

IVC interpreters work with the Disability Support Program and Services (DSPS) to provide communication access accommodation for students who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. In compliance with local, state, and federal mandates, interpreters offer services for activities and events that are related to a student’s academic courses and other course requirements. For events that fall outside of this scope, interpreters may be able to provide services depending on available resources; however, such services must be funded by the department(s) hosting or sponsoring said event. 

• While the interpreter team does not guarantee services for public events, such as program specific activities, they may be able to accommodate faculty and staff requests for such events depending on available resources. Request Services online, providing as much notice as possible (at least five business days before the event).
• If the interpreter team is unable to provide requested accommodations for an event you or your department are hosting, sponsoring, or encouraging students to attend, please contact your campus DSPS Interpreter Coordinator @ liisa.mendoza@imperial.edu to discuss alternative accommodations, such as alternative assignments, Zoom auto-captioning, etc. 

Request Interpreting Services

Imperial Valley College interpreters provide communication access accommodations in classes, activities, and related academic requirements directly related to the student's educational process. 

The IVC interpreter team does not guarantee services for public events. Services for these types of events may be provided based on available resources. Use the form below to request services at least five business days before the event. 

Imperial Valley College interpreters provide communication access accommodations in classes, activities, and related academic requirements directly related to the student's educational process. 

The IVC interpreter team does not guarantee services for public events. Services for these types of events may be provided based on available resources. Use the form below to request services at least five business days before the event.

If services cannot be provided through the IVC interpreters team, you will be informed as soon as possible so that you can find an alternative agency to provide them. It is important to communicate with any deaf/hard-of-hearing students that will be in attendance to provide them with the accommodation that they need.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 states, "No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation." Therefore, in any activities where staff or the public may be in attendance, it is the sponsoring department/program's responsibility to provide access for individuals with disabilities. The accommodation can include seating, hearing, or communication supports. 

Request Interpreting Services

Please call the agencies below for specific rates and policies when seeking support for non-classroom events. 

• The departments and the faculty members who make up academic departments are responsible for ensuring that their programs and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including students. An individual with a disability is the best source of information regarding necessary accommodation. 
• For requests for accommodation to be made in a timely manner, all flyers for any upcoming activities for the public should include a time frame, person, and contact phone number. An example of the wording might be: "Please contact [contact name] in [department], at [contact phone number and/or email address] by [date - usually 2-3 weeks before the event] to request accommodations for persons with disabilities". 
• At Imperial Valley College, it is the individual's responsibility to request special accommodation if desired, but staff or faculty can make an individual comfortable by inquiring about special needs. 
• Interpreters, captioners, and transcribers are professional service providers who facilitate communication between deaf/hard-of-hearing and hearing individuals. The service providers follow their codes of professional conduct. They do not advise, tutor, or offer personal opinions but can answer questions to help everyone navigate the communication situations.