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Sign Language Interpreters

Logo with green circle and yellow icon of two hands making sign language sign

Sign Language Interpretation

Sign Language Interpretation is a specialized accommodation for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing and whose first language is American Sign Language (ASL). 

Professional SLIs are contracted through AAS. They are present in course-related functions such as classes, meetings, labs, etc. to facilitate access to course instruction and two-way communications.

Instructors are asked to provide course materials and/or D2L access to the SLIs in advance of the class in order for them to prepare.

Sign Language Interpretation services are provided by professional community vendors hired by AAS. AAS starts coordinating with vendors prior to the start of each semester to avoid any potential delays. 

Registered AAS students who have accommodations for SLI will receive an email from AAS before classes start each semester. They will confirm class schedules and individual requirements to start preparing for the semester. If a student changes their schedule (add/drop, section change, etc) during the semester, they are instructed to let AAS know as soon as possible.

While scheduling specialized vendors is best done before classes start, we understand that students may inquire about these accommodations later in the semester. In these cases, a student would meet with their Accommodation Facilitator to discuss and navigate next steps.

Instructors are not expected to coordinate SLIs for AAS-registered students; AAS handles interpreter bookings for course-related needs. In the event an instructor books an SLI for a course-related function, it is recommended that the instructor connect with AAS. 

While AAS has a roster of vendors, students are encouraged to share any preferred SLIs. We are always happy to reach out to SLIs that students have built a rapport with. 

Students who have SLIs may also require specialized note-taking and/or captioning.

Questions about this accommodation can be directed to aasbookings@torontomu.ca.