How should schools/institutions utilize staff interpreting and speech-to-text providers when transitioning from in-person to online classes?
Staff, hourly and contracted service providers (interpreting and speech-to-text) should continue to provide services remotely. This ensures consistency with services for the student. Work with service providers to ensure they have:
- Access to high-speed internet.
- A private space to work from (e.g., some schools are allowing service providers to use offices on campus as long as they observe self-quarantine protocols).
- Appropriate equipment, such as headphones with a microphone and a computer with webcam and any necessary software.
- Access to LMS or live video platforms.
- The student and instructor’s contact information in case of technical troubleshooting.
- Staff and hourly providers can also assist with:
- Captioning media for online courses (or prepare a transcript).
- Provide interpreting for pre-recorded lectures.
- Be available remotely for online tutoring, meetings or online school activities unrelated to the classroom.
Additional information: