HR Interpreting
Human Resources Interpreting provides professional American Sign Language interpreting, TypeWell Transcribing, and Real Time Captioning Services (CART) for faculty and staff at Western Oregon University and WOU open access events.
Who can make a request?
- WOU faculty/staff/employee requiring the accommodation.
- A meeting or event organizer requesting an accommodation for a specific person.
- A meeting or event organizer planning an open access event.
How to request:
- Fill out this form
- or contact hrinterpreting@wou.edu
Please make the request ASAP, but at least three business prior to the event or meeting.
Last minute requests are always welcome, but may not be able to be filled due to interpreter availability.
Next Steps:
Once your request is received, the HR accommodations coordinator will follow up with you to gather additional information needed based on the nature of the event. This information may include:
- Notes
- Names of participants
- PowerPoint slides
- Room set-up, configuration
- Zoom link if applicable
- Event specific details
Planning and hosting accessible events with ASL interpretation and/or real time captioning.
Managing and moderating in person meetings and events with inclusive communication strategies.
Managing and moderating virtual meetings with inclusive communication strategies.
Interpreter Role and FAQ
Interpreters generally switch every 15 – 20 minutes. This is due to the physical and cognitive demands required to create an accurate interpretation.
Interpreters are professionally bound by confidentiality. If you are interested in reading the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct, click here.
Interpreters are trained to interpret the message and not add their personal perspective or speak for themselves. This provides the assurance that what is being said is coming directly from the people participating in the conversation.
Interpreters are NOT providing a word-for-word interpretation. American Sign Language (ASL) does not have the same sentence structure and grammar as English. Therefore, interpreters are often conveying information as meaning-for-meaning rather than word-for-word. That is why it is helpful for interpreters to have as much context and understanding about what they are interpreting as possible.
Interpreters are trained to incorporate the natural rhythm of communication into their interpretation. Therefore, slowing down unnaturally or using exaggerated speech often makes interpreting more difficult. Communicate at a normal pace and trust that the interpreter will let you know if something needs to be repeated.
Interpreters require a direct sightline of the participant communicating in sign language. If there are visual obstructions, the lighting is insufficient or they are too far away, the interpretation’s accuracy may be at risk.
CONTACT
Human Resources | Interpreting
Todd Hall 122345 Monmouth Ave N | Monmouth, OR 97361
Accommodations Requests: hrinterpreting@mail.wou.edu
