Deaf or Hard of Hearing Accommodations

To obtain interpreting services:

  • Disability Support Services is UNC's designated office for determining a student's eligibility for disability services.
  • Documentation of a hearing loss must be provided -- see Documentation Guidelines for Hearing as established by the Consortium of Post-Secondary Disability Service Providers of Colorado and Wyoming.
  • To receive interpreting services in a timely manner, DSS must be notified at least one month prior to the beginning of the semester for which interpreting services are being requested.  Submit a copy of the class schedule as soon as possible.

New students should contact DSS as soon after their decision to attend UNC as possible to arrange for necessary services.

Students must also read and sign an Interpreting Services Contract.

If registering late, submit the class schedule to DSS as soon as possible.  There may be a delay in obtaining interpreter services, depending on availability.

  • Meet with the DSS Director to discuss services and type of interpreter needs. (Request an interpreter prior to the DSS meeting and/or campus tour.)
  • Inform DSS of any preferences regarding interpreter needs--language preferences.
  • The assignment of interpreters is based on the student's language preference, the nature of the class, skill strengths of the interpreter, and availability of the interpreter.
  • The assignment of team interpreters will be determined by the Interpreter Coordinator and/or the DSS Director based on the class length and nature of the class presentation.
  • When requested in a timely manner, an interpreter will be provided for academic meetings, appointments, or other university programs.

To Obtain Other DSS/Campus Services:

  • Tutoring is offered at UNC for some academic classes (i.e., Center for Human Enrichment--select General Education classes; Writing Center--for writing assistance; Math Tutoring Lab--for all math courses; some professors offer Supplemental Instruction; and DSS--Advocacy and Learning Strategy Workshops).  Interpreters at UNC do not tutor.

Contact the programs offering tutoring for appointments.  Request interpreting services from DSS in a timely manner.

  • UNC utilizes voluntary notetakers from the classroom.  Carbonless paper is available from DSS, or DSS will make copies of a classmate's notes.  The student is responsible for informing DSS if s/he is unable to obtain an effective notetaker.
  • Assistive Listening Devices are available on a daily check-out basis from DSS.  Notify DSS of the need for a device, as equipment is limited.
  • Two TTYs are available at DSS.  Various offices on campus also have TTYs.  Students often choose to purchase their own units for their Residence Hall rooms.
  • Residence Halls have some rooms with flashing fire alarms.  On the Residence Hall application, indicate the need for this accommodation.

Difference between the high school and the university setting -- An interpreter is not automatically assigned to the student for all the daily school events.  Students must request interpreting services in a timely manner.

For more information, call (970) 351-2289