Interpreter Use Guidelines

Accessibility Resources at MSU, Mankato provides American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services for students, faculty, staff, and campus events. These services support individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing.

Types of Events Served

Accessibility Resources provides ASL interpreting services for the following types of University‑related activities:

• Academic
  • Classes
  • Field trips
  • Meetings with professors
  • Tutorials
• Student Organizations
  • Programs
  • Concerts
  • Workshops
• College‑Sponsored Events
  • Conferences
  • Guest lectures
  • Special performances
• Human Resources
  • Staff meetings
  • Professional development
  • Performance evaluations

Accessibility Resources does not provide interpreting services for non‑University events. For questions about non‑University requests, contact the Senior Director and ADA Coordinator, Carine Omole, by email at carine.omole@mnsu.edu or by calling 507‑389‑1819.

Service Requests

Under the purview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ASL interpreting services will be provided when a person who is Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing requests access to a class or event they plan to attend.

If an event organizer expects Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing participants, the event advertising should state that an interpreter will be available (for example, Disability Awareness events). If the advertisement does not indicate that an interpreter will be present, a request must be made.

Making a Request

All ASL interpreting requests must be submitted through Accessibility Resources, preferably with at least two weeks' notice.

Please complete the online request form at the link provided.

ASL Interpreting Request (online form)

Information Needed for Requests

When submitting an interpreting request for the first time, you will be prompted to create an account, which requires:

• Email Address of Submitter
• Contact Person for the Event
• Department (optional)
• Contact Number (call or text)

Once you have an account, you will click Add New Request. On the Event Information form, you will need:

• Event Name
• Speakers (optional)
• Event Date, Start Time, and End Time
• Location (or link, if online)
• Additional Contact Information (optional)
• Accommodation Requested (select all that apply)
  • Interpreting
  • Real-Time Transcribing
• Media/Materials, if available

Accessibility Resources will notify you once an interpreter has been confirmed.

Notification

Accessibility Resources works to fill every interpreting request. A minimum of two weeks' notice is preferred. Submitting requests early and providing complete information helps speed up processing.

Cancellations

Send cancellations to ar@mnsu.edu. Please cancel at least 48 hours in advance when possible. 

Absences

If you cannot attend a class or event, contact Accessibility Resources as soon as possible. If you will be late, the interpreter will wait 15 minutes before marking you as a no‑show.

To avoid this, call 507‑389‑2825 if you know you will be late, and we will notify the interpreter to continue waiting. Note: Accessibility Resources does not share interpreter phone numbers.

Substitute Interpreters

While consistency is preferred, a substitute interpreter may occasionally be needed. When possible, Accessibility Resources will notify you in advance by email with the substitute’s name. If you prefer another method, you may provide an alternate phone number or text contact.

Questions or Concerns

If you experience a serious issue or concern with an interpreter, contact Accessibility Resources immediately. Interpreter scheduling and recruitment occur well before each semester, and feedback received during the semester will be considered for future assignments.

Contact Info
Accessibility Resources
Voice/Text: 507‑389‑2825
Email: ar@mnsu.edu

Back to Top