Faculty/Staff Info about Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) Services

• Closed Captioning makes audio and audiovisual material accessible and provides a critical link to communicating information for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. If this accommodation appears on a student's FNL, you must ensure that your audio/video content is accessible in advance.
• Individuals wishing to access Closed Captioning should look for and click the “CC” tab typically located at the bottom right of the viewing screen for online videos. Closed Captioning for films is a feature that will need to be turned on through the settings options in the video.
• Video Subtitles may be an option in the video settings but cannot always be assumed as a substitute for Closed Captioning. Subtitling is often used in foreign films or to clarify information that has been spoken by a speaker with an accent or a speaker whose speech is unclear. 
• If Closed Captioning is not an option, is determined to be inaccurate, or subtitles are only offered in segments, transcription may be a communication access alternative. 
• If you need assistance locating the "CC" option or if you are aware of audio/video content that needs to be captioned or transcribed, please contact hearingassist@wku.edu or submit your request to https://www.wku.edu/citl/services/accessibility/transcription/index.php.  

• Captioning, sometimes referred to as “speech-to-text”, provides a critical link to communicating aural information as it is happening. Streaming text is displayed live in real time on a laptop screen, iPad, or other visual system operated by a Captionist employed by the University who is either in the room sitting next to the student or streaming remotely.
• Transcripts of the class or event are sent to the student within 24 hours.
• Captioning is only provided to the student if they are in attendance. If the student does not show for class, the Captionist will exit the room. 
• WKU-SARC Captionists are certified by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in the use of C-Print Captioning Software.

• CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation), sometimes referred to as "remote captioning", provides a critical link to communicating information for the deaf and hard-of-hearing as it is happening. The speaker is provided with a lapel or table microphone. This sound is transmitted to the CART provider via internet through a real-time audio connection. Streaming text is then displayed in real time on a laptop screen, iPad, or other visual system operated by a Captionist streaming remotely. For group presentations or settings with multiple speakers it is advised that the mic be passed to the dominate speaker or that one person is chosen to repeat questions/comments that cannot otherwise be heard off-mic. 
• Transcripts of the class or event are sent to the student within 24 hours.

• Sign Language Interpreting allows individuals who use Sign Language as their primary mode of communication to have access to what is being spoken in all settings. The Interpreter facilitates communication between the deaf student, instructors, peers, and/or participants.
• If a student needs an Interpreting accommodation, it will be listed on their FNL. Faculty are not responsible for securing Interpreters. The SARC will coordinate this accommodation and provide faculty with updates via email. 
• Interpreters often work in pairs; this allows each Interpreter a rest from intensive signing. Teams also assist each other to ensure that information heard is then communicated through sign accurately. 
• Expect both the student and the Interpreter(s) to sit close to the speaker. It is not uncommon for the Interpreter to stand or move around the room as the speaker moves locations. 
• Interpreters hired by the University are certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), and are licensed through the state of Kentucky.

• FM System: Educational video depicting sound barriers with and without the use of an FM hearing system in a classroom setting. 

        https://www.jimbombicino.com/the-simulationOpen in New Window.

• Cochlear Implants: Great video introduction to cochlear implants from a personal point of view. 

        https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/07/opinion/deafness-cochlear-implants.htmlOpen in New Window.