Interpreting

Request Sign Language Interpreting

Request Sign Language Interpreting 

Interpreting and Captioning Unit

Welcome to the Interpreting/Captioning Unit (ICU) of the Disability Resource Center.  We provide communication access to DeafBlind, Deaf, and hard of hearing individuals in the University community.  We are a full-time staff of professionals who are committed to providing high quality sign language interpreting, real-time captioning, and media captioning services to students, staff, faculty, and guests of the University.

Please browse the following links to learn more about the work we do, our commitment to our professions, how to request a service provider, and how to work with us to get the most out of your University experience.  And if you have questions that are not answered here, please contact us at [email protected].

We look forward to working with you!

Sign Language Interpreting / Captioning Services Surveys

Please consider filling out the Sign Language Interpreting Services Survey or Captioning Services Survey if you have received interpreting or captioning services as a student, faculty, staff, or visitor of the University of Minnesota. Thank you!

Request an Interpreter or Captioner

The Interpreting/Captioning Unit works to fill all University-related requests. To help us, please remember the following:

• For ongoing, semester-long requests (i.e. classes, labs, meetings), we need as much lead time as possible, preferably four weeks prior to the first date of the request.
• For one-time requests (i.e. meetings, study groups, special events), we ask for at least two weeks notice.
• If you do not have the above lead time…submit your request anyway.  We cannot guarantee that we will fulfill all last-minute requests, but we will do our best!

Request an interpreter or real-time captioning.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters…

• Are bilingual and bicultural professionals who work between two languages:  ASL and English.
• Understand both Deaf and hearing cultures and use that knowledge to promote successful cross-cultural interactions.
• Facilitate communication between DeafBlind, Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) and hearing individuals.
• Often hold national certification.  This certification is maintained by continuing their education and continuously developing their linguistic, cognitive, and technical skills.
• Follow all University of Minnesota policies as well as strict ethical and professional standards from their national governing body, Registry for Interpreters of the Deaf.  For more information, see Code of Professional Conduct.

University of Minnesota sign language interpreters are committed to fostering a welcoming and communication-rich environment in which DHH students, staff, faculty and guests can fully engage in all aspects of the of University experience!

For more in-depth information about the profession of interpreting, visit Become an Interpreter.

ICU Mission, Vision and Values

MISSION

We advance and enrich the captioning and sign language interpreting professions, the University’s mission, and the public good by:

Providing exceptional captioning and sign language interpreting services to the University community,

Sharing professional knowledge,

Fostering an environment of diversity, accessibility, and opportunity, and

Empowering ourselves and the communities we serve to reach our full potential.

VISION

The Interpreting/Captioning Unit of the University of Minnesota is a nationwide leader in the fields of captioning and sign language interpreting. Our commitment to accessibility, equity, and excellence contributes to an inclusive, welcoming, public university community that cultivates empowerment, innovation, and success.

VALUES

Self-Awareness, Authenticity, Integrity: We take seriously our obligation to regularly examine who we are so that our knowledge may guide our actions.

Equality: We contribute to a diverse community by improving and expanding access to opportunity.

Respect: We honor and celebrate differences and similarities by regarding each individual as valuable.

Trust: We engender trust through our commitment to honesty, ethical principles, and actions that are consistent with our words.

Responsibility: We are accountable to these values as we actively promote our vision and mission as part of the Disability Resource Center, the Office for Equity & Diversity, and the University of Minnesota.

Below you will find resources for captioning and sign language interpreting.

Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans (MCDHH)

MCDHH is a governor-appointed commission that advocates for equal opportunity for deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing Minnesotans.

Communications Services for the Deaf (CSD)

CSD is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide greater opportunities for access, independence and awareness for all individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Through global leadership and a continuum of quality communication services and human services programs, CSD provides the tools conducive to a positive and fully integrated life.

C-Print

C-Print is a speech-to-text system developed at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTI) as a communication option for some deaf and hard-of-hearing students. It was developed by researchers to improve the classroom experience for students at both the secondary and college levels.

Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University has been the world leader in liberal education and career development for deaf and hard of hearing undergraduate students since1864. Gallaudet enjoys an international reputation for the outstanding graduate programs it provides deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing students, as well as for the quality of the research it conducts on the history, language, culture, and other topics related to deaf people.

Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens (MADC)

MADC’s mission is to preserve, protect and promote American Sign Language and political, educational, economic and social equality for Minnesotans who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Minnesota Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (MRID)

MRID is a non-profit organization of professional interpreters, consumers, and interested persons. Its mission is to provide state and local forums and an organizational structure for the continued growth and development of the professions of interpretation and transliteration of American Sign Language and English.

National Association of the Deaf (NAD)

Established in 1880, the NAD was shaped by deaf leaders who believed in the right of the American deaf community to use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to have its interests represented at the national level. The mission of NAD is to preserve, protect and promote the civil, human and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people in the U.S. 

Postsecondary Education Programs Network (PEPNet)

PEPNet provides resources and expertise that enhance educational opportunities for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. PEPNet offers consultation, training, professional development, technical assistance and other resources to educational institutions.

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)

RID is a national membership organization representing the professionals who facilitate communication between people who are deaf or hard of hearing and people who can hear.

RID’s function is to support members by providing the foundation needed to launch and sustain careers while ensuring quality service to the Deaf community.

State of MN Department of Health Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (in the MN Dept of Health and Human Services)  provides information and resources including the publication: A Metro Area Resource Guide for Professionals and Consumers who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. 

DeafMN

DeafMN is an electronic bulletin board for any individual or organization to post information, flyers, news, and other information relevant to the Twin Cities Deaf Community. The goal of this free online service is to provide a central source of up-to-date information to increase overall awareness of the many resources available to the Twin Cities signing community. 

U of M ASL Department

ASL courses are offered through the Department of Educational Psychology at the College of Education and Human Development. ASL credit or proficiency may apply toward the second language requirement.

U of M Deaf and hard of hearing program

The D/HH program philosophy focuses on cultural and social diversity and meeting the needs of individual students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Graduates may serve as consultants to the general classroom teacher, as itinerant teachers providing direct service to students and their families, and as resource or classroom teachers. 

U of M Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences

SLHS offers programs in speech-language-hearing sciences, audiology, and speech-language pathology for undergraduate and graduate students to pursue academic and clinical careers.