Disability impact area: Hard of Hearing or Deaf
The nature and severity of hearing threshold is individualized. Auditory information an individual is able to hear may be impacted by the acoustics of the environment, (lecture hall, lab, office, background noise etc.), audio quality, volume or frequency. Individuals may utilize amplification or rely on the use of written information alongside auditory content.
Captioned Media
For use with media which is pre-recorded and shared with the class. Allows users to read what is being said, alongside auditory content.
Faculty Next Steps
- Ensure all pre-recorded video and audio media is accurately captioned prior to providing material to the class.
- Provide auditory information (instructions, discussion points, etc.) in a written format if requested.
- For live Zoom meetings or classes, enable Zoom auto-caption feature.
- Review inclusive strategies when presenting content.
Remote Live Captioning
Remote Live Captioning is a real-time transcription service that allows a student or meeting/event attendee to read what is being said in the classroom or event space on a laptop, tablet or smartphone. This is different than computer-generated auto-captioning, such as is provided via Zoom, or other platforms which have the option of enabling computer generated auto-captions. For Remote Live captioning, ODR coordinates a human captioner to be present (remotely) for each scheduled class meeting to communicate (live auditory content), to the individual via written text. The written text is relayed with 0-2 second delay, directly to the students device, and typically achieves an accuracy rate of 98%.
For Remote Live Captioning, Zoom is utilized as a means of relaying audio to the (remote) captioner, whether from a web-based class, or from on-site in a classroom. The captioner needs to hear what is occurring in the class, in order to relay this information via text/ live captions to the individual. The student using Remote Live Captioning, will participate in and attend class with the same expectations as their peers, and will not need access to Zoom unless the class is meeting this way.
Faculty will need to:
- Ensure all pre-recorded video and audio media is accurately captioned prior to providing material to the class.
- Provide auditory information (instructions, discussion points, etc.) in a written format if requested.
- Complete the ODR CART/Interpreter Questionnaire.
- Prepare classroom technology:
- Set up a recurring Zoom meeting for the Captioner (even if your course is on-site) and provide ODR the recurring Zoom meeting link & passcode.
- The Zoom link will be used only by the Captioner, so they can obtain the audio content. The Captioner will relay live streaming captions to the student's computer.
- Use a high quality audio input device (i.e. lapel mic).
- Ensure live audio feed from the class is being routed correctly to the Zoom meeting during each class period.
- If assistance needed regarding any of these technology aspects including equipment available, setup, audio input, or settings submit a Classroom Technology Support Request.
Sign Language Interpreters
Sign Language Interpreters most often provide American Sign Language (ASL) or voicing to provide effective communication of auditory and signed content between individuals who are Hard of Hearing or Deaf and individuals who are hearing. They may be present on-site or remotely via a video platform (such as Zoom), depending on the format of the event/class for which they are providing interpreting services.
ODR will coordinate Sign Language Interpreters to be present for each scheduled class meeting if there is live auditory content to communicate. In some cases the Interpreter will voice on behalf of the student, and in other cases the student will independently participate verbally.
Faculty will need to:
- Ensure all pre-recorded video and audio media is accurately captioned prior to providing material to the class.
- Provide auditory information (instructions, discussion points, etc.) in a written format if requested.
- Complete the ODR CART/Interpreter Questionnaire.
- If the Interpreter will be present on-site:
- Consider placement of the Interpreter to allow them to be within line of sight from the student to the presenter.
- Provide a free-standing chair so the Interpreter can face the student.
- If Interpreters will be present remotely, prepare classroom technology:
- Set up a recurring Zoom meeting for the Captioner (even if your course is on-site) and provide ODR the recurring Zoom meeting link & passcode.
- Use a high quality audio input device (i.e. lapel mic).
- Ensure live audio feed from the class is being routed correctly to the Zoom meeting during each class period.
- If assistance needed regarding any of these technology aspects including equipment available, setup, audio input, or settings submit a Classroom Technology Support Request.